In a letter sent to Senate leaders on Tuesday, Sept. 16, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association asked lawmakers to waste no more time before they confirm Derek Barrs as administrator of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration.
Barrs was nominated in March by President Donald Trump earlier this year, and was approved by a Senate committee. His nomination still awaits the approval of the full senate.
“As the Senate begins advancing Presidential appointments at the executive agency level, we urge swift confirmation of Derek Barrs as Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,” the OOIDA’s letter signed by President Todd Spencer said. “The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved Mr. Barrs’ nomination on July 30 in large part because of his commitment to working with the men and women who make their living behind the wheel. Given the importance of improving safety on our nation’s highways, it’s critical that Mr. Barrs begin his work at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as soon as possible.”
Barrs is a former Florida Highway Patrol chief, and has worked with the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
“We have the utmost confidence Mr. Barrs will implement commonsense, cost-effective initiatives that are already underway as part of (the U.S. Department of Transportation’s) Pro-Trucker Package announced in June. Under his leadership, FMCSA can finally make progress on these priorities. Given his past experience and demonstrated commitment to working with small trucking businesses and professional drivers, we encourage the Senate to quickly confirm Mr. Barrs.”
Traffic fatalities down in first half of year
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recently released early estimates for motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the first half of 2025, show a substantial 8.2% decline in roadway deaths.
An estimated 17,140 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes from January through June 2025, down from 18,680 fatalities during the same period in 2024, according to the NHTSA.
The decline in fatalities occurred even as vehicle miles traveled increased by 12.1 billion miles during the first half of 2025. As a result, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled dropped to 1.06, down 8.6% from 1.16 in the same period last year. This represents the lowest mid-year fatality rate since 2014.
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