80_FR_76298 80 FR 76064 - Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Denial of an Exemption Application From Atwood Forest Products, Inc.

80 FR 76064 - Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Denial of an Exemption Application From Atwood Forest Products, Inc.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 234 (December 7, 2015)

Page Range76064-76066
FR Document2015-30803

FMCSA denies an exemption application from Atwood Forest Products, Inc. (Atwood) to allow the use of a camera system installed at the sides and rear of up to 15 of its commercial motor vehicles (CMV) in lieu of rear-vision mirrors as specified in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Section 393.80 of the FMCSRs requires every bus, truck, and truck tractor to be equipped with two rear-vision mirrors, one at each side, firmly attached to the outside of the motor vehicle, and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear along both sides of the vehicle. All such mirrors must, at a minimum, meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111, ``Rearview mirrors,'' in effect at the time the vehicle was manufactured. While Atwood wanted to install the camera system on its vehicles for use in an evaluation study to evaluate the safety and economic benefits of eliminating outside mirrors, it did not provide evidence to enable the Agency to conclude that motor carriers operating vehicles without any rear-vision mirrors could achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained by complying with the regulation.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 234 (Monday, December 7, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 234 (Monday, December 7, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76064-76066]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30803]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0326]


Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Denial of an 
Exemption Application From Atwood Forest Products, Inc.

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Denial of exemption application.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA denies an exemption application from Atwood Forest 
Products, Inc. (Atwood) to allow the use of a camera system installed 
at the sides and rear of up to 15 of its commercial motor vehicles 
(CMV) in lieu of rear-vision mirrors as specified in the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Section 393.80 of the FMCSRs 
requires every bus, truck, and truck tractor to be equipped with two 
rear-vision mirrors, one at each side, firmly attached to the outside 
of the motor vehicle, and so located as to reflect to the driver a view 
of the highway to the rear along both sides of the vehicle. All such 
mirrors must, at a minimum, meet the requirements of Federal Motor 
Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111, ``Rearview mirrors,'' in 
effect at the time the vehicle was manufactured. While Atwood wanted to 
install the camera system on its vehicles for use in an evaluation 
study to evaluate the safety and economic benefits of eliminating 
outside mirrors, it did not provide evidence to enable the Agency to 
conclude that motor carriers operating vehicles without any rear-vision 
mirrors could achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or 
greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained by complying 
with the regulation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mike Huntley, Vehicle and Roadside 
Operations Division, Office of Carrier, Driver, and Vehicle Safety, MC-
PSV, (202) 366-5370; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 4007 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century 
(TEA- 21) [Pub. L. 105-178, June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 401] amended 49 
U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e) to provide authority to grant exemptions from 
the FMCSRs. On August 20, 2004, FMCSA published a final rule (69 FR 
51589) implementing section 4007. Under this rule, FMCSA must publish a 
notice of each exemption request in the Federal Register (49 CFR 
381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the public with an opportunity to 
inspect the information relevant to the application, including any 
safety analyses that have been conducted. The Agency must also provide 
an opportunity for public comment on the request.
    The Agency reviews the safety analyses and the public comments and 
determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level 
of safety equivalent to or greater than the level that would be 
achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of 
the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 
381.315(b)). If the Agency denies the request, it must state the reason 
for doing so. If the decision is to grant the exemption, the notice 
must specify the person or class of persons receiving the exemption and 
the regulatory provision or provisions from which an exemption is 
granted. The notice must specify the effective period of the exemption 
(up to 2 years) and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. 
The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.315(c) and 49 CFR 381.300(b)).

Atwood Application for Exemption

    Atwood applied for an exemption from 49 CFR 393.80 to allow the use 
of a camera system installed at the sides and rear of CMVs in lieu of 
rear-vision mirrors as specified in the FMCSRs. A copy of the 
application is included in the docket referenced at the beginning of 
this notice.
    Section 393.80 of the FMCSRs currently requires every bus, truck, 
and truck tractor to be equipped with two rear-vision mirrors, one at 
each side, firmly attached to the outside of the motor vehicle, and so 
located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear 
along both sides of the vehicle. All such mirrors must, at a minimum, 
meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 111 in effect at the time the 
vehicle was manufactured. The purpose of FMVSS No. 111 is to reduce the 
number of deaths and injuries that occur when the driver of a motor 
vehicle does not have a clear and reasonably unobstructed view to the 
rear.
    In its application, Atwood states:

    Atwood Forest Products, Inc. is making this request because we 
are coordinating device development and installation of rear cameras 
in up to fifteen (15) commercial motor vehicles and trailers. The 
camera equipment to be installed is going to be located at rear of 
trailers and at sides of motor vehicles. A monitor is to be located 
in the cab . . . Regulations currently require that mirrors be 
installed on each side of [a] tractor. Our system will remove 
outside mirrors and install cameras at the rear of trailers and cabs 
and motor vehicles with monitors inside the cabs of tractors.

    Atwood contends that without the proposed temporary exemption, it 
will not be able to deploy cameras and monitors in its vehicles because 
they will be fined for violating the current

[[Page 76065]]

regulation, which requires rear-vision mirrors. With the exemption, 
Atwood states that it ``will be able to install the camera systems in a 
location which will offer the best opportunity to optimize the data and 
evaluate the benefits of such a system'' which would eliminate the need 
for the currently required outside mirrors.

Public Comments

    On August 28, 2014, FMCSA published a notice of the Atwood 
application and asked for public comment (79 FR 51391). The Agency 
received four comments.
    Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (``Advocates'') opposed the 
exemption application, stating:

    Atwood provides absolutely no analysis of the safety impacts the 
exemption may have. Atwood provides no actual data regarding safety 
performance at all. In fact, the applicant failed to provide even a 
rudimentary study to confirm that the proposed systems would provide 
performance in accordance with FMVSS 111.
    Atwood has provided no evidence that their proposed exemption 
would ensure safety and mitigate the concerns regarding rearview 
visibility which spurred the FMCSR requirement and the underlying 
FMVSS. Likewise, the applicant fails to cite any research on the 
performance of the proposed systems, the visibility coverage 
offered, the possibility of driver distraction, or even usability 
studies to confirm that the proposed monitor and camera systems 
would allow a driver to operate a vehicle as safely as while using 
traditional, compliant, mirrors.
    The Application is, therefore, insufficient on its face, as 
Atwood neither performed nor included any form of safety analysis in 
their application nor provided any form of explanation as to how the 
applicant would ensure that the proposed exemption will achieve an 
equivalent level of safety as required by both the statute and 
regulation. The requirement for a safety analysis is part of the 
statute and regulations governing the granting of exemptions 
precisely to ensure that exemptions which increase risk and decrease 
safety are not permitted.

    Two anonymous commenters opposed the exemption application, citing 
concerns that the camera-based system may be prone to operational 
failure in the event of electrical outages. One of the commenters 
stated that the camera-based system could be used ``IN ADDITION to 
rearview mirrors, but not IN LIEU of'' the required mirrors.
    The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) stated 
``This system quite possibly could have additional safety benefits when 
utilized by a well-trained driver. However, there are significant 
questions regarding this application, both in terms of the technology 
proposed by Atwood, and the method that Atwood and Safety Track would 
use to evaluate the performance of the camera systems. As such, OOIDA 
urges the FMCSA to only move forward with granting the exemption 
request under significant restrictions.''
    OOIDA--like the anonymous commenters--noted concerns regarding the 
reliability of the camera-based system due to its reliance on 
electronic components. OOIDA encouraged FMCSA to consider mandating 
some type of redundancy in the system if the exemption application is 
granted. OOIDA stated:

    Mandating the inclusion of one external mirror on each side of 
the cab (even if smaller than current standards) could provide a 
level of protection against electronics failure. Requiring 
redundancy in the electronics system might provide an acceptable 
level of protection. Rather than one monitor, two monitors with 
independent wiring systems may accomplish a lower risk of failure.
    While current mirrors are susceptible to environmental 
conditions that lessen their effectiveness (rain, road, spray, fog) 
they never fail completely. We encourage the consideration of this 
exemption request to utilize appropriate technology, but caution 
against complete reliance on technology (without redundancy)--at 
least until a suitable time where the technology has proven 
reliability in the very harsh conditions that a CMV operates within.

    In addition, OOIDA echoed Advocates' concerns that Atwood had 
failed to provide ``any detailed description of the proposed analysis 
of the effectiveness of the system.''

FMVSS No. 111; NHTSA Rulemaking

    Specifically with respect to CMVs, FMVSS No. 111 requires vehicles 
with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds (excluding trailers) to have 
mirrors installed on both sides of the vehicle, located so as to 
provide the driver a view to the rear along both sides of the vehicle 
and adjustable both in the horizontal and vertical directions to view 
the rearward scene. On April 7, 2014, and to satisfy the mandate of the 
Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007 (``K.T. 
Safety Act''), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
(NHTSA) published a final rule amending FMVSS No. 111 to expand the 
required field of view for all passenger cars, trucks, multipurpose 
passenger vehicles, buses, and low-speed vehicles with a GVW of less 
than 10,000 pounds (79 FR 19178). Specifically, the rule specifies an 
area behind the vehicle which must be visible to the driver when the 
vehicle is placed into reverse and other related performance 
requirements. NHTSA noted that it anticipates vehicle manufacturers 
will use rearview video systems and in-vehicle visual displays in the 
near term to meet the requirements of the rule.
    However, the K.T. Safety Act specifically excluded all vehicles 
with a GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds, motorcycles, and trailers. 
NHTSA declined to extend scope of the rule in response to public 
comments recommending that the rule cover larger vehicles not 
contemplated by the K.T. Safety Act. NHTSA stated:

    Finally, we also decline to extend today's final rule to cover 
trailers, garbage trucks, and other vehicles not contemplated by the 
K.T. Safety Act. While we acknowledge that many of these vehicles 
may also have significant blind zones, we have concentrated our 
research and rulemaking efforts on the vehicles mandated by 
Congress. We believe that, by focusing on the vehicles types covered 
in the K.T. Safety Act, this rulemaking is able to more 
appropriately address the types of crashes that Congress sought to 
avoid. To include and accommodate vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs 
or more (many of which are used for commercial purposes), the agency 
may be required to utilize a significantly different approach with 
different requirements and test procedures that may not be as 
closely tailored to avoiding the types of crashes contemplated by 
the K.T. Safety Act. Further, we note that backover crashes 
involving vehicles with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs represent a 
significant majority of both fatalities and injuries. As this 
rulemaking has continuously focused exclusively on vehicles covered 
by the K.T. Safety Act, to introduce requirements regarding other 
vehicles in today's final rule would raise questions regarding the 
sufficiency of the scope of notice of this rulemaking. Thus, today's 
final rule declines to introduce such requirements at this time.

FMCSA Decision

    The purpose of FMVSS No. 111 is to reduce the number of deaths and 
injuries that occur when the driver of a motor vehicle does not have a 
clear and reasonably unobstructed view to the rear. While both 
Advocates and OOIDA note that the use of camera-based technology for 
rear visibility may have merit for use in CMVs, and such technologies 
will be used by light vehicle manufacturers to meet the newly adopted 
requirements of FMVSS No. 111, the Atwood application did not provide 
sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the use of a camera system 
installed at the sides and rear of CMVs in lieu of rear-vision mirrors 
as specified in the FMCSRs would be able to provide an equivalent level 
of safety when compared to a compliant vehicle.
    Based on the above, FMCSA denies the Atwood exemption application. 
FMCSA is unable to determine--as required for an exemption by 49 CFR

[[Page 76066]]

381.305(a)--that Atwood would be able to maintain a level of safety 
equivalent to, or greater than, the level achieved without the 
exemption.
    FMCSA notes that while Atwood's use of the camera-based system in 
lieu of the rear vision mirrors required via Sec.  393.80 is denied, 
Sec.  393.3 of the FMCSRs expressly permits the use of additional 
equipment and accessories (such as the camera-based rear vision 
system), not inconsistent with or prohibited by the FMCSRs, provided 
that such equipment and accessories do not decrease the safety of 
operation of the motor vehicles on which they are used.

    Issued on: November 30, 2015.
T.F. Scott Darling, III,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015-30803 Filed 12-4-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P



                                                  76064                       Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 234 / Monday, December 7, 2015 / Notices

                                                  provision of a rear exit, providing that                ACTION: Denial of exemption                              The Agency reviews the safety
                                                  the roof exit meets the release,                        application.                                          analyses and the public comments and
                                                  extension, and identification                                                                                 determines whether granting the
                                                  requirements of the standard.                           SUMMARY:    FMCSA denies an exemption                 exemption would likely achieve a level
                                                  Specifically, the final rule noted ‘‘The                application from Atwood Forest                        of safety equivalent to or greater than
                                                  NHTSA has established this alternative                  Products, Inc. (Atwood) to allow the use              the level that would be achieved by the
                                                  in order to allow design flexibility while              of a camera system installed at the sides             current regulation (49 CFR 381.305).
                                                  providing for emergency egress in                       and rear of up to 15 of its commercial                The decision of the Agency must be
                                                  rollover situations’’ [Emphasis added].                 motor vehicles (CMV) in lieu of rear-                 published in the Federal Register (49
                                                  Notably, the emergency exit                             vision mirrors as specified in the                    CFR 381.315(b)). If the Agency denies
                                                  requirements for buses with a GVWR of                   Federal Motor Carrier Safety                          the request, it must state the reason for
                                                  more than 10,000 pounds have                            Regulations (FMCSR). Section 393.80 of                doing so. If the decision is to grant the
                                                  remained largely unchanged since the                    the FMCSRs requires every bus, truck,                 exemption, the notice must specify the
                                                  establishment of FMVSS No. 217 more                     and truck tractor to be equipped with                 person or class of persons receiving the
                                                  than 40 years ago.                                      two rear-vision mirrors, one at each                  exemption and the regulatory provision
                                                     FMCSA agrees with the commenters.                    side, firmly attached to the outside of               or provisions from which an exemption
                                                  The EMC application did not provide                     the motor vehicle, and so located as to               is granted. The notice must specify the
                                                  sufficient evidence to demonstrate that                 reflect to the driver a view of the                   effective period of the exemption (up to
                                                  an Entertainer Coach without rear and/                  highway to the rear along both sides of               2 years) and explain the terms and
                                                  or roof emergency exits would be able                   the vehicle. All such mirrors must, at a              conditions of the exemption. The
                                                  to provide an equivalent level of safety                minimum, meet the requirements of                     exemption may be renewed (49 CFR
                                                  when compared to a compliant vehicle,                   Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard                 381.315(c) and 49 CFR 381.300(b)).
                                                  specifically in a rollover crash scenario.              (FMVSS) No. 111, ‘‘Rearview mirrors,’’
                                                                                                          in effect at the time the vehicle was                 Atwood Application for Exemption
                                                  The intent of the requirements for rear
                                                  and roof emergency exits in S5.2.2.2 of                 manufactured. While Atwood wanted to                     Atwood applied for an exemption
                                                  FMVSS No. 217 is quite clear, in that                   install the camera system on its vehicles             from 49 CFR 393.80 to allow the use of
                                                  those exits are required to meet the                    for use in an evaluation study to                     a camera system installed at the sides
                                                  emergency exit release, opening, and                    evaluate the safety and economic                      and rear of CMVs in lieu of rear-vision
                                                  identification requirements of the                      benefits of eliminating outside mirrors,              mirrors as specified in the FMCSRs. A
                                                  standard ‘‘when the bus is overturned                   it did not provide evidence to enable the             copy of the application is included in
                                                  on either side, with the occupant                       Agency to conclude that motor carriers                the docket referenced at the beginning
                                                  standing facing the exit.’’ Without the                 operating vehicles without any rear-                  of this notice.
                                                  required rear and/or roof exits,                        vision mirrors could achieve a level of                  Section 393.80 of the FMCSRs
                                                  emergency egress in rollover crash                      safety that is equivalent to, or greater              currently requires every bus, truck, and
                                                  scenarios will likely be limited, possibly              than, the level of safety that would be               truck tractor to be equipped with two
                                                  leading to increased numbers of                         obtained by complying with the                        rear-vision mirrors, one at each side,
                                                  fatalities and injuries in such crashes.                regulation.                                           firmly attached to the outside of the
                                                                                                                                                                motor vehicle, and so located as to
                                                  FMCSA Decision                                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:    Mr.               reflect to the driver a view of the
                                                                                                          Mike Huntley, Vehicle and Roadside                    highway to the rear along both sides of
                                                    Based on the above, FMCSA denies                      Operations Division, Office of Carrier,
                                                  the EMC exemption application.                                                                                the vehicle. All such mirrors must, at a
                                                                                                          Driver, and Vehicle Safety, MC–PSV,                   minimum, meet the requirements of
                                                  FMCSA is unable to determine—as                         (202) 366–5370; Federal Motor Carrier
                                                  required for an exemption by 49 CFR                                                                           FMVSS No. 111 in effect at the time the
                                                                                                          Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey                vehicle was manufactured. The purpose
                                                  381.305(a)—that motor carriers would                    Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–
                                                  be able to maintain a level of safety                                                                         of FMVSS No. 111 is to reduce the
                                                                                                          0001.                                                 number of deaths and injuries that occur
                                                  equivalent to, or greater than, the level
                                                  achieved without the exemption.                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            when the driver of a motor vehicle does
                                                                                                                                                                not have a clear and reasonably
                                                    Issued on: November 30, 2015.                         Background                                            unobstructed view to the rear.
                                                  T.F. Scott Darling, III,                                                                                         In its application, Atwood states:
                                                  Acting Administrator.
                                                                                                             Section 4007 of the Transportation
                                                                                                          Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA–                    Atwood Forest Products, Inc. is making
                                                  [FR Doc. 2015–30802 Filed 12–4–15; 8:45 am]                                                                   this request because we are coordinating
                                                                                                          21) [Pub. L. 105–178, June 9, 1998, 112
                                                  BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
                                                                                                          Stat. 401] amended 49 U.S.C. 31315 and                device development and installation of rear
                                                                                                          31136(e) to provide authority to grant                cameras in up to fifteen (15) commercial
                                                                                                                                                                motor vehicles and trailers. The camera
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            exemptions from the FMCSRs. On                        equipment to be installed is going to be
                                                                                                          August 20, 2004, FMCSA published a                    located at rear of trailers and at sides of
                                                  Federal Motor Carrier Safety                            final rule (69 FR 51589) implementing                 motor vehicles. A monitor is to be located in
                                                  Administration                                          section 4007. Under this rule, FMCSA                  the cab . . . Regulations currently require
                                                                                                          must publish a notice of each exemption               that mirrors be installed on each side of [a]
                                                                                                          request in the Federal Register (49 CFR               tractor. Our system will remove outside
                                                  [Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0326]                                                                                  mirrors and install cameras at the rear of
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                          381.315(a)). The Agency must provide
                                                                                                          the public with an opportunity to                     trailers and cabs and motor vehicles with
                                                  Parts and Accessories Necessary for                                                                           monitors inside the cabs of tractors.
                                                  Safe Operation; Denial of an                            inspect the information relevant to the
                                                  Exemption Application From Atwood                       application, including any safety                       Atwood contends that without the
                                                  Forest Products, Inc.                                   analyses that have been conducted. The                proposed temporary exemption, it will
                                                                                                          Agency must also provide an                           not be able to deploy cameras and
                                                  AGENCY:Federal Motor Carrier Safety                     opportunity for public comment on the                 monitors in its vehicles because they
                                                  Administration (FMCSA), DOT.                            request.                                              will be fined for violating the current


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:36 Dec 04, 2015   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00106   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\07DEN1.SGM   07DEN1


                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 234 / Monday, December 7, 2015 / Notices                                                76065

                                                  regulation, which requires rear-vision                  Track would use to evaluate the                       manufacturers will use rearview video
                                                  mirrors. With the exemption, Atwood                     performance of the camera systems. As                 systems and in-vehicle visual displays
                                                  states that it ‘‘will be able to install the            such, OOIDA urges the FMCSA to only                   in the near term to meet the
                                                  camera systems in a location which will                 move forward with granting the                        requirements of the rule.
                                                  offer the best opportunity to optimize                  exemption request under significant                     However, the K.T. Safety Act
                                                  the data and evaluate the benefits of                   restrictions.’’                                       specifically excluded all vehicles with a
                                                  such a system’’ which would eliminate                     OOIDA—like the anonymous                            GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds,
                                                  the need for the currently required                     commenters—noted concerns regarding                   motorcycles, and trailers. NHTSA
                                                  outside mirrors.                                        the reliability of the camera-based                   declined to extend scope of the rule in
                                                                                                          system due to its reliance on electronic              response to public comments
                                                  Public Comments                                         components. OOIDA encouraged                          recommending that the rule cover larger
                                                    On August 28, 2014, FMCSA                             FMCSA to consider mandating some                      vehicles not contemplated by the K.T.
                                                  published a notice of the Atwood                        type of redundancy in the system if the               Safety Act. NHTSA stated:
                                                  application and asked for public                        exemption application is granted.                        Finally, we also decline to extend today’s
                                                  comment (79 FR 51391). The Agency                       OOIDA stated:                                         final rule to cover trailers, garbage trucks,
                                                  received four comments.                                    Mandating the inclusion of one external            and other vehicles not contemplated by the
                                                    Advocates for Highway and Auto                        mirror on each side of the cab (even if               K.T. Safety Act. While we acknowledge that
                                                  Safety (‘‘Advocates’’) opposed the                      smaller than current standards) could                 many of these vehicles may also have
                                                  exemption application, stating:                         provide a level of protection against                 significant blind zones, we have concentrated
                                                                                                          electronics failure. Requiring redundancy in          our research and rulemaking efforts on the
                                                    Atwood provides absolutely no analysis of                                                                   vehicles mandated by Congress. We believe
                                                  the safety impacts the exemption may have.              the electronics system might provide an
                                                                                                          acceptable level of protection. Rather than           that, by focusing on the vehicles types
                                                  Atwood provides no actual data regarding                                                                      covered in the K.T. Safety Act, this
                                                                                                          one monitor, two monitors with independent
                                                  safety performance at all. In fact, the                                                                       rulemaking is able to more appropriately
                                                                                                          wiring systems may accomplish a lower risk
                                                  applicant failed to provide even a                                                                            address the types of crashes that Congress
                                                                                                          of failure.
                                                  rudimentary study to confirm that the                                                                         sought to avoid. To include and
                                                                                                             While current mirrors are susceptible to
                                                  proposed systems would provide                                                                                accommodate vehicles with a GVWR of
                                                                                                          environmental conditions that lessen their
                                                  performance in accordance with FMVSS 111.                                                                     10,000 lbs or more (many of which are used
                                                                                                          effectiveness (rain, road, spray, fog) they
                                                    Atwood has provided no evidence that                                                                        for commercial purposes), the agency may be
                                                                                                          never fail completely. We encourage the
                                                  their proposed exemption would ensure                                                                         required to utilize a significantly different
                                                                                                          consideration of this exemption request to
                                                  safety and mitigate the concerns regarding                                                                    approach with different requirements and
                                                                                                          utilize appropriate technology, but caution
                                                  rearview visibility which spurred the FMCSR                                                                   test procedures that may not be as closely
                                                                                                          against complete reliance on technology
                                                  requirement and the underlying FMVSS.                                                                         tailored to avoiding the types of crashes
                                                                                                          (without redundancy)—at least until a
                                                  Likewise, the applicant fails to cite any                                                                     contemplated by the K.T. Safety Act. Further,
                                                                                                          suitable time where the technology has
                                                  research on the performance of the proposed                                                                   we note that backover crashes involving
                                                                                                          proven reliability in the very harsh
                                                  systems, the visibility coverage offered, the                                                                 vehicles with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs
                                                                                                          conditions that a CMV operates within.
                                                  possibility of driver distraction, or even                                                                    represent a significant majority of both
                                                  usability studies to confirm that the proposed             In addition, OOIDA echoed                          fatalities and injuries. As this rulemaking has
                                                  monitor and camera systems would allow a                Advocates’ concerns that Atwood had                   continuously focused exclusively on vehicles
                                                  driver to operate a vehicle as safely as while          failed to provide ‘‘any detailed                      covered by the K.T. Safety Act, to introduce
                                                  using traditional, compliant, mirrors.                  description of the proposed analysis of               requirements regarding other vehicles in
                                                    The Application is, therefore, insufficient                                                                 today’s final rule would raise questions
                                                                                                          the effectiveness of the system.’’                    regarding the sufficiency of the scope of
                                                  on its face, as Atwood neither performed nor
                                                  included any form of safety analysis in their           FMVSS No. 111; NHTSA Rulemaking                       notice of this rulemaking. Thus, today’s final
                                                  application nor provided any form of                                                                          rule declines to introduce such requirements
                                                  explanation as to how the applicant would
                                                                                                            Specifically with respect to CMVs,                  at this time.
                                                  ensure that the proposed exemption will                 FMVSS No. 111 requires vehicles with
                                                                                                          a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds                     FMCSA Decision
                                                  achieve an equivalent level of safety as
                                                  required by both the statute and regulation.            (excluding trailers) to have mirrors                    The purpose of FMVSS No. 111 is to
                                                  The requirement for a safety analysis is part           installed on both sides of the vehicle,               reduce the number of deaths and
                                                  of the statute and regulations governing the            located so as to provide the driver a                 injuries that occur when the driver of a
                                                  granting of exemptions precisely to ensure              view to the rear along both sides of the              motor vehicle does not have a clear and
                                                  that exemptions which increase risk and                 vehicle and adjustable both in the                    reasonably unobstructed view to the
                                                  decrease safety are not permitted.                      horizontal and vertical directions to                 rear. While both Advocates and OOIDA
                                                     Two anonymous commenters                             view the rearward scene. On April 7,                  note that the use of camera-based
                                                  opposed the exemption application,                      2014, and to satisfy the mandate of the               technology for rear visibility may have
                                                  citing concerns that the camera-based                   Cameron Gulbransen Kids                               merit for use in CMVs, and such
                                                  system may be prone to operational                      Transportation Safety Act of 2007 (‘‘K.T.             technologies will be used by light
                                                  failure in the event of electrical outages.             Safety Act’’), the National Highway                   vehicle manufacturers to meet the
                                                  One of the commenters stated that the                   Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)                 newly adopted requirements of FMVSS
                                                  camera-based system could be used ‘‘IN                  published a final rule amending FMVSS                 No. 111, the Atwood application did not
                                                  ADDITION to rearview mirrors, but not                   No. 111 to expand the required field of               provide sufficient evidence to
                                                  IN LIEU of’’ the required mirrors.                      view for all passenger cars, trucks,                  demonstrate that the use of a camera
                                                     The Owner-Operator Independent                       multipurpose passenger vehicles, buses,               system installed at the sides and rear of
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                                                  Drivers Association (OOIDA) stated                      and low-speed vehicles with a GVW of                  CMVs in lieu of rear-vision mirrors as
                                                  ‘‘This system quite possibly could have                 less than 10,000 pounds (79 FR 19178).                specified in the FMCSRs would be able
                                                  additional safety benefits when utilized                Specifically, the rule specifies an area              to provide an equivalent level of safety
                                                  by a well-trained driver. However, there                behind the vehicle which must be                      when compared to a compliant vehicle.
                                                  are significant questions regarding this                visible to the driver when the vehicle is               Based on the above, FMCSA denies
                                                  application, both in terms of the                       placed into reverse and other related                 the Atwood exemption application.
                                                  technology proposed by Atwood, and                      performance requirements. NHTSA                       FMCSA is unable to determine—as
                                                  the method that Atwood and Safety                       noted that it anticipates vehicle                     required for an exemption by 49 CFR


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                                                  76066                       Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 234 / Monday, December 7, 2015 / Notices

                                                  381.305(a)—that Atwood would be able                    (VEPCO), the only shipper on the Line,                49 CFR 1152.28 or for trail use/rail
                                                  to maintain a level of safety equivalent                in order to serve VEPCO’s Mt. Storm                   banking under 49 CFR 1152.29 will be
                                                  to, or greater than, the level achieved                 Power Station. CSXT states that, even                 due no later than December 24, 2015.
                                                  without the exemption.                                  though it does not own the Line, it is the            Each trail request must be accompanied
                                                    FMCSA notes that while Atwood’s                       only common carrier operating over the                by a $300 filing fee. See 49 CFR
                                                  use of the camera-based system in lieu                  Line, and it is seeking to abandon the                1002.2(f)(27).
                                                  of the rear vision mirrors required via                 Line in order to terminate its common                    All filings in response to this notice
                                                  § 393.80 is denied, § 393.3 of the                      carrier obligation.                                   must refer to Docket No. AB 55 (Sub-No.
                                                  FMCSRs expressly permits the use of                       Further, CSXT states that VEPCO                     746X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface
                                                  additional equipment and accessories                    operates over the industry track east of              Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW.,
                                                  (such as the camera-based rear vision                   milepost BUA 16.38. In addition, CSXT                 Washington, DC 20423–0001; and (2)
                                                  system), not inconsistent with or                       and VEPCO have agreed to amend their                  Louis E. Gitomer, 600 Baltimore Ave.,
                                                  prohibited by the FMCSRs, provided                      lease agreement, excluding the final                  Suite 301, Towson, MD 21204. Replies
                                                  that such equipment and accessories do                  0.66 miles of the Line from the lease in              to the petition are due on or before
                                                  not decrease the safety of operation of                 order for VEPCO to construct and                      December 24, 2015.
                                                  the motor vehicles on which they are                    operate a new coal yard and rapid coal
                                                  used.                                                                                                            Persons seeking further information
                                                                                                          dumper. CSXT states that, upon a grant
                                                                                                                                                                concerning abandonment procedures
                                                    Issued on: November 30, 2015.                         of abandonment authority, CSXT will
                                                                                                                                                                may contact the Board’s Office of Public
                                                  T.F. Scott Darling, III,                                reclassify the Line as yard track for
                                                                                                                                                                Assistance, Governmental Affairs and
                                                  Acting Administrator.                                   VEPCO’s use, and the land and track
                                                                                                                                                                Compliance at (202) 245–0238 or refer
                                                                                                          will be returned to VEPCO. Finally,
                                                  [FR Doc. 2015–30803 Filed 12–4–15; 8:45 am]                                                                   to the full abandonment regulations at
                                                                                                          CSXT states that it will not salvage the
                                                  BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P                                                                                        49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning
                                                                                                          Line.1
                                                                                                                                                                environmental issues may be directed to
                                                                                                            According to CSXT, the Line does not
                                                                                                                                                                the Board’s Office of Environmental
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            contain federally granted rights-of-way.
                                                                                                                                                                Analysis (OEA) at (202) 245–0305.
                                                                                                          Any documentation in CSXT’s
                                                                                                                                                                Assistance for the hearing impaired is
                                                  Surface Transportation Board                            possession will be made available
                                                                                                                                                                available through the Federal
                                                                                                          promptly to those requesting it.
                                                  [Docket No. AB 55 (Sub-No. 746X)]                                                                             Information Relay Service at 1–800–
                                                                                                            The interest of railroad employees
                                                                                                                                                                877–8339.
                                                  CSX Transportation, Inc.—                               will be protected by the conditions set
                                                                                                          forth in Oregon Short Line Railroad—                     An environmental assessment (EA) (or
                                                  Abandonment Exemption—in Grant
                                                                                                          Abandonment Portion Goshen Branch                     environmental impact statement (EIS), if
                                                  County, W. Va.
                                                                                                          Between Firth & Ammon, In Bingham &                   necessary) prepared by OEA will be
                                                    On November 17, 2015, CSX                             Bonneville Counties, Idaho, 360 I.C.C.                served upon all parties of record and
                                                  Transportation, Inc. (CSXT), filed with                 91 (1979).                                            upon any other agencies or persons who
                                                  the Surface Transportation Board                          By issuing this notice, the Board is                comment during its preparation. Other
                                                  (Board) a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502                instituting an exemption proceeding                   interested persons may contact OEA to
                                                  for exemption from the provisions of 49                 pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final               obtain a copy of the EA (or EIS). EAs in
                                                  U.S.C. 10903 to abandon an                              decision will be issued by March 4,                   abandonment proceedings normally will
                                                  approximately 0.66-mile rail line                       2016.                                                 be made available within 60 days of the
                                                  between milepost BUA 15.72 and                            Any offer of financial assistance                   filing of the petition. The deadline for
                                                  milepost BUA 16.38, the end of the line,                (OFA) under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) will                 submission of comments on the EA
                                                  on the Mt. Storm Railroad Track, in                     be due no later than 10 days after                    generally will be within 30 days of its
                                                  Grant County, W.Va. (the Line). The                     service of a decision granting the                    service.
                                                  Line includes the station of OPSL 56150                 petition for exemption. Each OFA must                    Board decisions and notices are
                                                  (FSAC 76373), which will remain open,                   be accompanied by a $1,600 filing fee.                available on our Web site at
                                                  and traverses United States Postal                      See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).                             WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.
                                                  Service Zip Code 26739.                                   All interested persons should be
                                                    According to CSXT, the Western                                                                                Decided: December 1, 2015.
                                                                                                          aware that, following abandonment, the
                                                  Maryland Railway Company, a                                                                                     By the Board, Rachel D. Campbell,
                                                                                                          Line may be suitable for other public                 Director, Office of Proceedings.
                                                  predecessor to CSXT, leased                             use, including interim trail use. Any
                                                  approximately 16.38 miles of track and                                                                        Kenyatta Clay,
                                                                                                          request for a public use condition under
                                                  land (between mileposts BUA 0.0 and                                                                           Clearance Clerk.
                                                  16.38), from the predecessor of the                       1 CSXT states it will continue to provide service   [FR Doc. 2015–30769 Filed 12–4–15; 8:45 am]
                                                  Virginia Electric and Power Company                     to VEPCO beginning at milepost BUA 15.72.             BILLING CODE 4915–01–P
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Document Created: 2015-12-14 13:30:59
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 13:30:59
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionDenial of exemption application.
ContactMr. Mike Huntley, Vehicle and Roadside Operations Division, Office of Carrier, Driver, and Vehicle Safety, MC- PSV, (202) 366-5370; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
FR Citation80 FR 76064 

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