The FMCSA has approved a five-year exemption for Encore Flooring & Building Products. This decision allows the company to use a special brake light system called the Intellistop module in its trucks. The system pulses the rear brake lights when the brakes are applied. The goal is to make the trucks more visible and reduce rear-end crashes.
Why Encore Applied for a Brake Light Exemption
Encore asked the FMCSA to let them use the Intellistop system, which pulses the brake lights for two seconds when the brakes are applied. Normally, brake lights must stay steady when in use, but Encore believes this new system will improve safety.
In 2022, Intellistop had requested an exemption for the entire trucking industry but was denied. The FMCSA thought a broad exemption would be hard to monitor for safety. Instead, they encouraged individual companies like Encore to apply on their own.
How the New Brake Light System Can Improve Safety
Rear-end crashes make up about 30% of all accidents, and large trucks are often hit from behind. Studies show that flashing brake lights can get drivers’ attention faster. This is especially helpful when drivers are distracted or during bad weather.
The FMCSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have both looked into ways to improve safety. Their research shows that pulsing brake lights help prevent crashes by making trucks more visible.
Encore’s application was supported by these studies, which show that pulsating brake lights could reduce the number of rear-end crashes.
Public Reactions to the Exemption
The FMCSA received 20 comments from the public about the exemption. Most of the comments supported Encore’s request, including feedback from companies like Meiborg Brothers, Inc. and the Truck Safety Coalition. They agreed that the new brake lights would improve safety, especially in poor weather or heavy traffic.
However, some groups, including the Transportation Safety Equipment Institute (TSEI), had concerns. They thought FMCSA should create a rule for everyone, not just give exemptions to individual companies. They were also worried that the flashing lights could confuse other drivers.
Four anonymous commenters also opposed the exemption, saying the FMCSA should focus on other safety projects. One person thought the flashing lights could distract drivers.
FMCSA’s Decision
The FMCSA reviewed the comments and the safety data before making their decision. They believe that the Intellistop system will provide at least the same level of safety as the steady-light rule, if not better.
Encore has a fleet of 223 trucks. The FMCSA will allow the Intellistop system on only half of these trucks at first. The other half will serve as a control group. This way, FMCSA can compare the safety of trucks with and without the Intellistop system.
Conditions for Using the New Brake Lights
The FMCSA set up several rules for how Encore can use the new brake light system:
Limited Use: For the first year, Encore can only install the system on 50% of its trucks. The other trucks will operate without the system so FMCSA can compare them.
Driver Checks: Before starting each trip, drivers must check the brake lights to make sure they pulse for two seconds and then go steady. If the system isn’t working, the truck cannot go on the road until it is fixed.
Quarterly Reports: Encore must report any accidents or issues involving the trucks with the Intellistop system to FMCSA every three months.
Monitoring: FMCSA will monitor Encore’s trucks closely to make sure the new brake light system does not cause safety problems. If it does, the exemption can be canceled.
The exemption will last until September 24, 2029, but FMCSA can cancel it earlier if the system doesn’t work as expected.
