It’s been nearly five years since Groendyke Transport petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to add a flashing brake light to the rear of their tanker trucks to increase visibility and reduce collisions.
After being ticketed several times for their flashing brake light, Groendyke eventually received their exemption and was recognized by Commercial Carrier Journal in 2020 as an Innovator of the Month.
That same year, as more tanker fleets signed up for flashing brake light exemptions from FMCSA, the agency granted a blanket waiver to the National Tank Truck Carriers allowing tanker fleets to install a red or amber brake light that flashes when brakes are applied.
More fleets have since followed Groendyke’s example and have added a flashing brake light which studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have shown can increase safety.
“It feels wonderful,” said John James, Groendyke’s transport director of equipment and procurement. “Anything we can do to increase the safety of the motoring public is not only a win for us, but for everyone.”
However, not all trucks are benefitting from pulsing brake lights and Intellistop CEO Michelle Hanby is out to change that.
