|
For information regarding PRISM please follow
this link to the U.S. Department of Transportation website,
then use their search engine to find detailed reports on
this program. |
PRISM is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
program operated by the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that
is intended to improve the safety performance of commercial
carriers operating throughout the United States.
Essentially, PRISM allows states
to submit commercial carrier safety performance information
to a central database, and provides updated information
on demand to the participating states. Also, the federal
database automatically identifies carriers that are exhibiting
unsafe practices, thereby allowing the states to work with
the affected carriers to help them improve their safety
practices.
Prism has two major processes that will
work together to provide a comprehensive system of identification,
education ,awareness, safety monitoring and enforcement:
Maine has an interest in this
project because of the many interstate carriers that operate
within its jurisdiction. This program is being developed
and implemented in Maine through a cooperative effort between
MDOT (Office of Freight Transportation and Safety Management
Section), Maine State Police and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Additionally, the Maine Motor Transport Association is involved
on an advisory basis.
PRISM offers benefits to the many
safe commercial vehicle carriers. Operators that exhibit
good safety practices will be checked less frequently on
the road and administratively, thereby offering operators
the potential to operate more efficiently. This is very
important to today's commercial vehicle operators, who are
essentially acting as "warehouses on wheels" and must adhere
to strict on time delivery schedules.
|
