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Advancing a program that stretches back more than 20 years, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced plans for a sweeping study of fatal heavy truck crashes.

If the rule is finalized, DOT would amend its federal drug-testing program regulation (49 CFR Part 40) to include both substances. Public comments on the proposal are due Oct. 17.

American Trucking Associations is renewing its call for stricter enforcement of federal safety laws in the wake of a fatal truck-involved crash in August.

The Aug. 21 extension offers a reprieve to drivers in the 12 states that missed a June deadline for transitioning to electronic medical certifications.

An undocumented truck driver who obtained CDLs from two states was involved in a Florida crash that killed three people, prompting a federal investigation.

More than 1,200 truckers have been removed from U.S. highways since late June for being unable to communicate adequately in English or read English-language highway signs.

Derek Barrs, nominated by President Donald Trump to the top post at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, was easily approved by the Commerce Committee July 30.

“It is critical that we make significant investments to modernize our air traffic control systems and improve our airports, roads, railways, bridges and ports," Sen. Susan Collins said.

Regulators never settled on a speed at which the limiters would be set. FMCSA and NHTSA had proposed and sought comment on a range of 60 to 68 mph.

Appropriations committee also allots $927 million for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration operations.