Trucking industry employees are encouraged to report non-compliance with safety regulations governing commercial motor vehicles, thanks to the Service Transportation Assistance Act (“STAA”). Although the law was originally enacted in 1982, it was amended in August, 2007 to implement regulations of the 9/11 Commission Act to include new rights and remedies for trucking industry employees.

STAA’s primary purpose is to reduce the number of accidents resulting in serious injury or death caused by sleepy drivers, poor vehicle maintenance, and safety violations. The Act protects truck drivers who refuse to operate a motor vehicle when the employee has a reasonable apprehension of danger for himself or the public because of the vehicle’s unsafe condition or where the operation of the vehicle violates a regulation or standard set by the government.