It should not be taken for granted that anyone can just hop into any vehicle and haul a scrap car to anywhere. Not only are there many regulations that must be followed that apply to this activity, but there are also many regulating agencies who are consistently updating the rules.

Regulating Agencies
States have own regulations

Federal regulations that apply to hauling of scrap cars are made by the Department of Transportation through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In addition, the Department of Environmental Quality has its own waste hauling requirements that are applicable to the hauling of scrap cars. Many states and counties also have their own regulations to follow.

Factors Being Regulated
Trucks and drivers are regulated

Federal and local regulations applicable to hauling of scrap cars include those that apply to the drivers, the vehicles used in hauling, the scrap that is being transported, the hazardous materials that may be part of the scrap car, and the companies that haul the scrap. Below are some examples.

Regulations on Drivers
No part of cargo can fall off

A driver is not only limited in the number of hours he or she may drive each day, but must also be sure all the hours driven are logged. The driver cannot drive more hours than allowed because this can cause accidents. A driver must have a logbook, insurance information, a camera and other equipment in the vehicle at all times. There are also regulations on drug and alcohol testing and special training requirements.

Regulations on Vehicles
All roads have weight limitations

Regulations on vehicles used to haul scrap cars include length, width and weight limitations, compliance with interstate noise emission standards, and parts and accessories necessary for safe operation. Almost every road in the country has axle weight regulations that must be followed. It is important to know exactly which roads are going to be taken, and that a truck is not too heavy for any of these roads.

Recent Change in Vehicle Regulations
Debris Falling Off Trucks

The FMCSA recently changed rules that require motor carriers to change the way they secure cargo to prevent parts from shifting or falling while in transport. While these carriers were not required to buy new equipment for securing cargo, the intention was to reduce accidents. This caused many vehicle owners and manufacturers to make changes in the design of their vehicles.

Regulations On Hazardous Materials
Gas and oil have to be drained

In trying to improve safety on the highways, the FMCSA aims to reduce the number of incidents involving hazardous materials. The organization has drawn up lists of hazardous materials, how to comply with these regulations, driving and parking rules, fueling rules, and rules on tires. Thus, before a car is crushed and shipped for melting, fluids are drained, tires and batteries removed and catalytic converters cut off.

Regulations on Hauling Companies
Hauling companies are also regulated

While companies hauling scrap make profits, many regulations by so many agencies make it a difficult business to learn and compete in. There are rules that define levels of financial responsibility, forms required for all kinds of operations, and many possible violations and penalties defined for such companies. These are in addition to having to know and follow rules on drivers, vehicles and hazardous materials, and to cope with rule changes.

When planning a vacation, it is imperative that you plan not only how to get there, but how you are going to get around once you reach your destination as well. There are many modes of travel that you can use when seeing the sites in one city or traveling to multiple cities during one adventure. Vacationing is all about making the most of your time visiting and touring new or familiar favorite places again, and depending on what you consider exciting, there are many ways to accomplish your goals.

On Foot

There are many types of transportation that will get you to your destination, but few that offer the adventures that walking offers. This is where the old idea of backpacking through Europe became such a popular goal in life .

Renting Cars

There is always the option of renting a car at almost any city that you choose to visit. This allows you to get places faster but still on your own time and schedule.

Public Rides

Buses, trains, subways, taxis and other chauffeured automobiles give you the leisure of having someone else who knows the area drive you around. Most popular hotspot cities even offer these types of transportation with guided tours, so all you have to do is sit back and look during your vacation.

Air Travel

Planes are still one of the most popular means of getting to a particular destination fast. This includes public flights, private jets and even helicopter tours.

Water Traveling

Another popular vacationing travel ideas is on the water. Everything from riverboat tours and whale watching voyages to long cruises, offers all the conveniences of home with different types of transportation to see the world in a whole different way than you would on land.

There is a serious price to pay for reckless teen driving, both in human lives and dollars. It seems that every day there is a story on the news about another teenage life senselessly lost. States are enacting new laws to help save these lives; parents can keep their children safe by making them aware of the responsibility and danger that comes with a driver’s license.

Frightening Statistics

The Center for Disease Control lays it out in plain numbers. In the United States in 2005, the Center claims 4,544 teens between the ages of 16 and 19 died from injuries caused by a motor vehicle crash. That year, according to the CDC, teenagers accounted for 10 percent of the U.S. population, but they made up 12 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths.
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Reckless Teen Driving Costs Money

The loss of human lives is the most painful effect that reckless teen driving has on society, but it doesn’t end there. According to the CDC, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for 30 percent (or $19 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among males and 28 percent ($7 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among females.

Why Do Teens Seem More Reckless?

Most people today learn to drive during their teenage years. However, according to the National Safety Council, this may not be the best time to get behind the wheel. According to the NSC, “The area of the brain that weighs consequences, suppresses impulses and organizes thoughts does not fully mature until about age 25.” Hormones are also very active in teenagers.Partners for Safe Teen Driving points out that most teenagers learn to drive under optimal conditions. Hazards, such as severe weather, might not be encountered until later when they are behind the wheel and alone.

What Is Being Done?

Graduated licensing programs have been the country’s most popular reaction to reckless teenage driving. They vary by state, but a typical graduated licensing program would first allow a learner’s permit. Then, most driver’s licenses will come with a mandatory period during which they are prohibited from having passengers in the car, unless that person is an adult, guardian or other relative. There are typically nighttime restrictions, as well.
These laws cut down on the distraction of driving with friends or driving during periods of low visibility or when teens might be more likely to try to speed or drink and drive.

What Can Families Do?

Partners for Safe Teen Driving recommends talking to teenagers about the dangers of reckless driving. It also recommends being a good role model for teenagers, who are often looking up to parents or other role models for unspoken guidance. These role models should always wear their seat belts, obey speed limits and minimize distractions while on the road with teen drivers, or when driving, period.

Vancouver, British Columbia, long hailed as one of Canada’s most beautiful cities, also boasts one of its most efficient public transportation systems. Since no major freeway serves its downtown area, a series of ferries, buses and a light rail system serves commuters.

Take a bus operated by Translink, the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority. The company offers buses powered by diesel or natural gas and trolley buses. Some buses have comfortable, padded seats, wheelchair access and bike racks. The electric trolley buses run on major routes connecting to downtown Vancouver. Regular transit buses feed into other routes and services, including SkyTrain.

Ride the SkyTrain, an elevated train system which serves metropolitan Vancouver and extends as far as the suburbs of Surrey, New Westminister and Burnaby. This modern, high-speed service debuted at the 1986 Expo. It will eventually expand to include service to the Vancouver International Airport.

Buy a ticket for commuter rail service to downtown Vancouver from the suburbs. The West Coast Express offers these rides, with connecting bus service for passengers who live in outlying areas. The West Coast Express operates Monday thru Friday only.

Enjoy the free Albion Ferry as you travel between the North and South sides of the Fraser River. This service offers frequent trips between Maple Ridge and Surrey and other points.

Use the SeaBus service to reach Vancouver’s North Shore. Two terminals serve passengers with catamaran style ferries from downtown.

Obtain a ticket for all TransLink services from vending machines, or buy a pass if you work downtown or plan to visit Vancouver for an extended period. Check out the Vancouver TransLink website for more information and current prices.

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The United States Department of Transportation oversees the transportation of hazardous materials under the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1975. According to the HMTA, a hazardous material is defined as “any substance or material that can burn, explode, react violently or cause injury or harm to people, property or the environment during transport.” Biohazard material or biological agents, substance or materials that can cause injury to animals, humans or the environment is covered under the HMTA. The U.S. DOT has specific requirements for the transportation of these materials.

Employee Training

Before handling or transporting a biohazard material, an employee must attend and complete a DOT-approved minimum 8-hour training course that covers aspects of HAZMAT such as identification, labeling, packaging and placard requirements. The employee must pass a test on the subjects covered to satisfy this requirement.

Transport Hazard Communication Markings

Hazard communication refers to labeling specific types of hazardous materials with a placard on the side and rear of the transport vehicle. The placard requirements differ depending on the type of hazardous material as specified by the Hazardous Materials Table in the HMTA. Biohazard materials are covered under Class 6 and 7 of the Hazardous Materials Table, poisons and etiologic materials are covered under Class 6, and radioactive materials are covered under Class 7.

Container

Biohazard materials must be transported within a leak-proof, sealed and puncture-resistant tank or container. In addition to the required Transport Hazard Communication markings, containers being transported must have hazard documentation at all times, including relevant information concerning the contents such as the accumulation date, the specific hazardous properties of the material being transported, the name and address of the company or laboratory to where the material is being transported and where it is coming from and the composition (whether the material is solid or liquid).