Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023:
New York seeks feedback on truck parking
The New York State Department of Transportation is asking for feedback from truck drivers in the state to help determine areas where truck parking is needed. Truckers are asked to complete this survey, which asks respondents to pinpoint places on a map where they know of a truck parking need or issue, as well as areas where they think there are opportunities to expand truck parking.
The survey is part of NYSDOT’s efforts in developing a State Freight Plan to guide policy and investment decisions to address freight needs and enhance economic competitiveness, safety, efficiency, infrastructure condition, equity, and environmental sustainability.
The plan will include a Truck Parking Assessment, providing an updated truck parking inventory, parking-needs review and an analysis of parking conditions.
NYSDOT said driver input can help them identify challenges, needs and opportunities related to truck parking across the state.
[Related: Arizona reveals truck parking expansion plan]
South Dakota opens upgraded port of entry weigh station
The South Dakota DOT and South Dakota Highway Patrol recently reopened the I-90 port of entry in Tilford with updated features.South Dakota DOT
South Dakota officials on Wednesday announced the reopening of an “updated and modernized port of entry (POE) facility” along I-90 Eastbound in Tilford. The year-long project was a joint venture between the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) and the South Dakota Highway Patrol (SDHP).
Capt. Jon Stahl, SDHP District Four Commander who oversees the POE stations in the state, said the new facility now “uses electronic pre-screening of trucks and an indoor inspection building to reduce downtime for drivers, and gets them back on the road faster. The result is a safer highway for everyone.”
The POE is the last of four in the state to receive technology and facility updates to improve efficiency in the inspection process.
[Related: Iowa weigh station's search that led to drug conviction deemed illegal]
Peterbilt adds collision mitigation features to Model 579
Peterbilt announced this week enhanced standard collision mitigation features on the Model 579 with the Bendix Fusion safety system.
“The Model 579 is the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient truck on the road today,” said Jake Montero, Peterbilt assistant general manager, sales and marketing. “The integration of these new advanced safety system features and functionality enhance the driver's experience and convenience."
The company said this is highlighted by Fusion Stop & Auto-Go, which aids drivers in heavy traffic situations with active cruise and braking to zero miles per hour if necessary. According to Peterbilt, Fusion Stop & Auto-Go functionality will hold the Model 579 in place after an automatic braking event and then automatically resume acceleration to the initial, pre-set cruise speed without driver intervention, when the truck can progress forward with a safe following distance.
The company added that the Fusion Stop & Go features are fully integrated with the 15-inch Peterbilt Digital Display, and all alerts are prominently displayed for the driver and accompanied by audible warnings to promote safety on the road.
Other safety features on the Model 579 include collision mitigation technologies such as highway lane departure braking, multi-lane emergency braking and stationary vehicle braking, Peterbilt noted.
[Related: Are FMCSA and NHTSA skirting Congressional directive with AEB proposal?]
