FMCSA Renews Truck Crash Data Collection for Safety Insights
Published Date: 3/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing its info collection to study crashes involving medium-duty trucks, building on earlier research about big trucks. This helps states share how they collect crash data and fund safety efforts, so the government can better understand and prevent truck crashes. If you’re involved in trucking or safety, get ready to share your input before August 31, 2026, with comments due by May 18.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
State/Local Data Sharing Burden
State and local government employees are asked to give FMCSA information and possibly participate in the Medium-Duty Truck Study. FMCSA estimates 2,160 respondents, with per-response times of 2 hours (IC-1), 2.5 hours (IC-2), 3.83 hours (IC-3), and 1.67 hours (IC-4), for an estimated 3,042.5 annual hours; the information collection expires August 31, 2026 and comments are due by May 18, 2026.
Assessment of Enforcement Funding Needs
FMCSA will collect information (IC-4) from States and local jurisdictions about CMV enforcement resources and funding sources to determine whether current resources can meet study needs and whether jurisdictions have a mechanism to receive study funding as sub-grantees through FMCSA grant programs.
Study Findings Aid Motor Carriers
FMCSA says study findings will provide new information resources that motor carriers, States, and safety advocacy groups can use to develop targeted strategies to reduce crashes. These findings are intended to inform future safety policies and programs.
Opportunity for Third-Party Interviewers
FMCSA may hire third-party interviewers to interview involved drivers, motor carriers, and witnesses as part of the study, creating potential contracting opportunities. The notice does not quantify hires but explicitly states these third-party interviewers could be needed to support data collection.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-20048, Hours of Service of Drivers; Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Exemption Renewal for Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC
The FMCSA is giving Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC a temporary green light to let their truck drivers work longer shifts—up to 16 hours straight—when moving steel coils and scrap metal between company sites. They’re also allowed to keep using special trucks that don’t meet some usual safety rules, but only for steel coil hauling. This exemption runs from late September 2026 to March 2027, and the public can share their thoughts by the end of October.
2026-20046, Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Agri-Tech Aviation
The FMCSA said no to Agri-Tech Aviation’s request to let learner drivers operate commercial vehicles alone before getting their full license. They found it wouldn’t be as safe as current rules require. This means learner drivers still need a fully licensed driver riding shotgun, keeping roads safer for everyone.
2026-20043, Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Application for Exemption; Federation of Professional Truckers
The Federation of Professional Truckers asked to skip using electronic logging devices (ELDs) and keep paper logs instead. The government said no because ELDs keep everyone safer on the road. Truck drivers still need to use ELDs, so no changes or extra costs for now.
2026-19808, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from nine hard of hearing or deaf drivers who want to be allowed to drive commercial trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these drivers can get exemptions to work interstate, opening new job opportunities. The public can share their thoughts by October 28, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-19807, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from 11 people who are hard of hearing or deaf to be allowed to drive big trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these folks can get behind the wheel and keep America moving! You have until October 28, 2026, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05136, Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women
The CDC is looking for smart and passionate people to join a special team focused on breast cancer in young women. If you’re an expert or survivor under 45, you can apply by April 20, 2026, to help shape prevention, treatment, and support efforts. This is a great chance to make a real difference without any pay but with a big impact on health policies.
Next: 2026-05138, Arms Sales Notification
The U.S. is notifying Congress about a $110 million arms sale to Iraq, mainly for satellite communication gear and support services. This sale adds more equipment than originally planned, pushing the deal over the notification limit. The update means Iraq will get extra tech and training soon, funded by U.S. national funds.