7802 - Findings and declaration of policy. - Pennsylvania Statutes

§ 7802. Findings and declaration of policy. (a) Findings.--It is hereby determined and declared as a matter of legislative findings that: (1) The operation of the motor carrier industry is a vital part of the economic health of this Commonwealth by providing needed goods and services as well as job opportunities for many Pennsylvanians. (2) As more and more motor carriers share the road with other vehicles, public safety concerns continue to rise. The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that on a national level, while trucks represent only 3% of vehicles on the road, they were involved in 13% of highway deaths in 1997 alone, and in the same year 444,000 large trucks were involved in crashes, killing 5,355 persons and injuring 133,000 more. (3) In order to promote the safety of this Commonwealth's highways and to best safeguard Pennsylvania residents and their property, it is essential to provide guidelines to ensure that motor carriers conduct their operations in a safe, responsible and professional manner. (b) Declaration of policy.--The purpose of this chapter is to promote the safe, responsible and professional operation of motor carriers within this Commonwealth.