CONTACT: Ms. Michelle Briggs, MSP Traffic Safety Division, (517) 336-6447

April 5, 2007

Lansing. Two experts in commercial motor vehicle safety now represent Michigan on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.

FMCSA Administrator John Hill recently appointed Captain Robert R. Powers, commander of the Michigan State Police (MSP) Traffic Safety Division, and Michael Irwin, director of the Michigan Center for Truck Safety, to serve along with 13 other traffic safety professionals from across the country.

Powers and Irwin were selected for their extensive knowledge, training and experience in commercial vehicle safety issues. As members of the committee, Powers will represent the State Enforcement Sector and Irwin will represent the Safety Advocate Sector.

Committee members provide advice and recommendations to the FMCSA on a variety of motor carrier safety programs and regulations. Each member serves a two-year, unpaid term.

Powers joined the MSP in 1972 as a member of the 83rd Trooper Recruit School. He served at the New Baltimore, Detroit, Lakeview and Lansing posts, as well as the Third District Headquarters and Fire Marshal Division prior to being appointed commander of the MSP Traffic Safety Division (formerly the Motor Carrier Division). As commander, Powers is responsible for the oversight of Michigan's commercial motor vehicle safety and enforcement programs. He also serves on the Michigan Truck Safety Commission.

Director of the Michigan Center for Truck Safety since 2003, Irwin has more than 35 years of experience in the transportation industry. He is certified by the North American Transportation Management Institute as a driver trainer and director of safety. In addition, Irwin served as an MSP motor carrier officer from 1989 to 1997.

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