PUBLIC LAW 105-178-JUNE 9, 1998 112 STAT. 415 (2) MATTERS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.— In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into account— (A) the degree to which the technology will be cost efficient; (B) the degree to which the technology can be effectively used in diverse climatic regions of the Nation; and (C) the degree to which the application of the technology will further emissions reductions, energy conservation, and other transportation goals. (3) FUNDING. —The Secretary may use amounts made available under section 5001(a)(2) of this Act. (b) NONSEDATING MEDICATIONS. —The Secretary shall review available information on the effects of medications (including antihistamines) on driver fatigue, awareness, and performance and shall consider encouraging, if appropriate, the use of nonsedating medications (including nonsedating antihistamines) as a means of reducing the adverse effects of the use of other medications by drivers. SEC. 4022. IMPROVED FLOW OF DRIVER HISTORY PILOT PROGRAM. (a) PILOT PROGRAM.— (1) IN GENERAL. — The Secretary shall carry out a pilot program in cooperation with 1 or more States to improve upon the timely exchange of pertinent driver performance and safety records data to motor carriers. (2) PURPOSE. —The purpose of the program shall be to— (A) determine to what extent driver performance records data, including relevant fines, penalties, and failures to appear for a hearing or trial, should be included as part of any information systems under the Department of Transportation's oversight; (B) assess the feasibility, costs, safety impact, pricing impact, and benefits of record exchanges; and (C) assess methods for the efficient exchange of driver safety data available from existing State information systems and sources. (3) COMPLETION DATE.— The pilot program shall end on the last day of the 18-month period beginning on the date of initiation of the pilot program. (b) RULEMAKING. — After completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall initiate, if appropriate, a rulemaking to revise the information system under section 31309 of title 49, United States Code, to take into account the results of the pilot program. SEC. 4023. EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS. Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary of Labor, shall report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the effectiveness of existing statutory employee protections provided for under section 31105 of title 49, United States Code. The report shall include recommendations to address any statutory changes necessary to strengthen the enforcement of such employee protection provisions. 49 USC 31309 note. Reports. 49 USC 31105 note.
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