As a truck driver and advocate for safety, I am outraged by the FMCSA’s decision to cancel its critical study on sexual assault and harassment (SASH) in the trucking industry. According to FreightWaves, the study was halted because “the government’s priorities have shifted,” despite allocated funds and years of work by the Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB) to address this pervasive issue. This cancellation dismisses the real dangers faced by women and minority drivers, who experience harassment and assault at alarming rates, often during training or at truck stops.

Landmark lawsuits prove the urgent need for this study. In EEOC v. CRST Van Expedited, a major carrier paid $1.5 million to settle claims of widespread sexual harassment of female drivers during training. Between 2015 and 2017, nearly 300 women employed or formerly employed by CRST filed complaints alleging sexual harassment and assault. Similarly, EEOC v. Stevens Transport (2017) resulted in a $50,000 settlement for harassment and retaliation against women trainees. The Center for Public Integrity reported over two dozen lawsuits in the past 20 years against trucking companies for negligence and discrimination related to sexual assault, yet the problem persists.The SASH study was designed to collect comprehensive data on the prevalence and severity of sexual assault and harassment, building on WOTAB’s recommendations to improve driver safety and support women in the industry. Its termination sends a message that protecting drivers—especially women—from gender-based violence is not a priority. As a driver, I’ve seen firsthand the need for systemic change to make trucking safer and more inclusive. Canceling this study sweeps a serious issue under the rug, undermining our trust in the FMCSA.

Sexual assault and harassment are well-documented issues in trucking. The study would have been the first step in making the industry safer. The study’s cancellation risks perpetuating an unsafe environment, discouraging women from entering or staying in the industry, and ignoring a critical safety crisis.

We demand that the FMCSA immediately reinstate the SASH study, honor the allocated funds, and commit to transparent action to address sexual assault and harassment in trucking. Drivers deserve a safe workplace, and the FMCSA must prioritize our safety over shifting political agendas. Join us in calling for accountability and change to protect all truckers and women in the transportation industry.