What Is the Department of Transportation (DOT)?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the federal agency responsible for planning and coordinating federal transportation projects and setting safety regulations for all modes of transportation in the United States.
According to the official description, DOT’s mission is to “Ensure our Nation has the safest, most efficient, and modern transportation system in the world, which improves the quality of life for all American people and communities, from rural to urban, and increases the productivity and competitiveness of American workers and businesses.” The DOT plays a crucial role in setting and enforcing regulations that affect transportation safety, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.
DOT’s main activities include funding infrastructure projects, conducting research to improve transportation systems, and implementing policies to enhance safety and accessibility. It also addresses issues such as traffic management, vehicle safety standards, and the environmental impact of transportation. Understanding the Department of Transportation is critical to comprehending how federal policy influences the everyday movement of people and goods, shaping economic development and public safety nationwide.
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Woman Killed In Car Crash in York County, PA
Police are currently investigate a fatal car accident that happened on January 17 in York County.
According to news reports, the York County Coroner’s Office was called to the area of Susquehanna Trail South at Seaks Run Road in Springfield Township around 9:46 p.m. Police said the SUV was forced off the road by an oncoming vehicle that was trying to pass another vehicle. The SUV had struck a tree, caused heavy damage to the right front and side of the vehicle. The front seat passenger was killed.
The oncoming vehicle did not stop.
State Police are investigating the incident.
Why Fatal Car Crashes Happen in York County, PA
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, York County is one of the top counties in the Commonwealth to have the most reported traffic-related fatalities as well as the most reported traffic crashes. […]
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Wrong-Way Car Crash Leaves Multiple Injured in Cumberland County, PA
Multiple people were injured following a wrong-way crash along U.S. Route 15 in Cumberland County on January 18.
According to news reports, the accident occurred around 4:40 p.m. on the northbound side of the road. According to the Upper Allen Township Police Department, the vehicle had entered the northbound lanes near mile marker 41.5 and traveled south for at least four miles before the crash.
Police say the wrong-way driver struck at least four other vehicles around mile marker 37. As emergency personnel responded to the scene, both north and southbound sides of Route 15 were shut down.
Multiple people suffered serious injuries in the accident. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, one person was flown to Penn State Hershey.
Police are investigating the crash.
Wrong Way Car Accidents in Pennsylvania
Wrong-way driving accidents represent some of the most dangerous accidents in Pennsylvania. […]
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Berks County, PA – Reading Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash
BERKS COUNTY, PA (January 10, 2025) – A Reading man died following a two-vehicle crash in Berks County on January 10.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. on U.S. Route 222 in Maxatawny Township just west of Kutztown. News reports state the man was heading northbound on U.S. 222 when he entered the southbound lane to pass a vehicle. A tractor trailer was heading southbound and the vehicles collided.
Troopers say the man’s car was split in half and he was ejected from the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was not injured.
Fatal Truck Accidents in Berks County, PA
Fatal trucks accidents have been steadily climbing in the last three years. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, out of the 6,685 truck accidents in Pennsylvania in 2023, 138 resulted in a fatality. […]
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A Comprehensive Guide to Pennsylvania Child Seat Laws
Every parent’s top priority is keeping their children safe on our roadways. Understanding and complying with Pennsylvania car seat laws is vital to protecting your children and avoiding legal penalties.
Over the past few years, Pennsylvania has changed the laws on using child seats to protect our children. In June 2016, legislation was signed into law requiring all children under the age of 8, less than 57 inches tall, or less than 80 pounds, are required to be placed in a car or booster seat as approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s standards. When a child is between the ages of 8 and 13, they do not need to ride in a car seat; however, they are required to sit in the back seat and wear a seat belt across their shoulders, chest, and upper thighs.
At Munley Law, we want everyone to stay safe. […]
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What Are the DOT Requirements for Reflective Tape on a Truck?
Have you noticed red and white reflective tape on the trailers of large trucks? Commercial trailers must install reflective tape that conforms to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Trucking companies can guard against rear-end collisions and other accidents by doing so.
Be aware that these requirements may be relevant to you even if you’re not a trucker or otherwise involved in the trucking industry. For example, perhaps you were injured in a truck accident. If the truck didn’t have the proper reflective tape installed, you could potentially highlight this fact when pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other such losses. Discuss your case with our truck accident team at Munley Law for more information.
DOT Reflective Tape Regulations
DOT reflective tape consists of an alternate red-white pattern. You’ve likely noticed this red and white tape on the trailers of large trucks. […]
