After a petition from the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule effective January 11, 2002, to amend its air brake standard. Published in the Federal Register December 12, 2001, the new rule addresses several concerns expressed by TMA.
The new action includes a correction of an inconsistency between two provisions concerning emergency brake stops. It also provides that single-unit truck axles should not be overloaded, and clarifies the wheel-lock provisions by adding a definition of Atandem axle. The rule will also permit the use of roll bars on vehicles undergoing brake testing.
Any petitions for reconsideration must be received by NHTSA no later than January 28, 2002, and should be submitted to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington DC 20590.
For further information for technical issues contact Joseph Scott, safety standards engineer, office of crash avoidance standards, vehicle dynamics division, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington DC 20590; telephone (202) 366-8525, fax (202) 493-2739.