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MTSC Priorities

 

 May 28, 2026

Dear Traffic Safety Partners:

The Michigan Truck Safety Commission (MTSC) is dedicated to improving truck safety across our state by delivering effective educational programs and addressing critical safety issues that impact Michigan’s trucking industry and the motoring public.

The MTSC advances truck and driver safety by providing education and training, raising public awareness about the operational characteristics and limitations of commercial motor vehicles, supporting data collection and research, and assisting in the enforcement of motor carrier safety laws.

The MTSC encourages four-year colleges and universities, research professionals, data analysts, and other organizations committed to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety to explore research and grant opportunities aligned with the priorities outlined below. Potential funding sources include, but are not limited to, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV) grant program and the High Priority Innovative Technology Deployment (HP-ITD) program, which is currently accepting applications. As new details become available, the MTSC webpage will highlight funding opportunities that support initiatives aimed at improving truck and driver safety. The MTSC has identified six priority areas of focus:

• Investigating crashes involving non‑CDL drivers operating CMVs between 10,001 and 26,000 gross vehicle weight rating to better understand contributing factors.
• Boosting seat belt use among commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and reducing distractions caused by handheld devices.
• Expanding outreach through community events, targeted campaigns, and strategically crafted advertising.
• Advancing initiatives that directly support the goals outlined in the 2025-2029 MTSC Strategic Plan.
• Deepening the statewide understanding of drug levels present in fatal CMV‑related crashes to inform prevention strategies.
• Supporting a competitive scholarship program that helps strengthen the pipeline of skilled commercial drivers through CDL training schools.

Of the six priorities, the Commission's focus for fiscal year 2027 is to seek a better understanding of the crash causation factors involving CMVs in the 10,001 to 26,000 GVWR range. The Commission is willing to provide letters of support for agencies submitting proposals to applicable notice of funding opportunities that address these priority areas. If funding is awarded, the MTSC welcomes the opportunity to partner with recipients to further advance CMV education and safety across Michigan.

For questions regarding the MTSC, please contact Ms. Katelyn Mullin at mullink1@michigan.gov.

Thank you, 

Brian Hitchcock signature

Brian Hitchcock, Chair
Michigan Truck Safety Commission