The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) seeks input from maintenance managers on how preventive maintenance impacts overall safety through Dec. 27.

A proposed study was designed to improve FMCSA's understanding and clarify requirements for inspection, repair and maintenance. It will:

• Help develop a definition for "systematic maintenance," a term within a previous regulation which is subjective and is likely to vary from one motor carrier to another. "The lack of specificity regarding standard intervals for preventative maintenance makes it difficult for Federal and State personnel to evaluate the effectiveness of and compliance with a carrier's maintenance program," according to the FMCSA Federal Register announcement. "Furthermore, the lack of specificity may make it difficult for carriers to ascertain and therefore comply with the regulation's intent."
• Gather information to assist in establishing standards for vehicle inspection, technician training and certification of maintenance  facilities.

To submit a written comment, address an email to [email protected] to the attention of "Desk Officer, Department of Transportation/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration." Comments can also be faxed to 202-395-6974 or mailed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Docket Library, Room 10102, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503.

For more information, contact FMCSA's program manager, Quon Kwan at [email protected] or 202-385-2389.