Bush administration raises terrorist threat alert to orange

Feb 7, 2003 12:00 PM

The Bush administration February 7 raised its terrorist threat condition to orange, signifying a high risk of attacks within the United States. Officials cited indications that al Qaeda leaders have stepped up planning for attacks on apartment buildings and other targets with little security.

The effect of the orange alert on the trucking industry includes enhanced security at critical infrastructures, and the implementation of pre-cleared vehicles at selected areas, according to the American Trucking Association (ATA).

Truck drivers should increases reporting and vigilance on key highway infrastructure, including interstate highways, bridges, tunnels, and major seaports. In addition, a regional broadcast will be made by the Highway Watch Operations Center to law enforcement and the trucking industry of any reported missing or overdue equipment, according to ATA.

The enhanced actions are in addition to proactive measures in already in effect with lower risk warnings. The risk levels include five color-coded threat conditions: green (low risk), blue (general risk), yellow (significant risk), orange (high risk), and red (severe risk).