We are pleased to announce that our Illinois truck safety volunteer, Kate Brown, has been selected to serve on the new Illinois State Freight Advisory Council.

Kate became a volunteer after her 27-year-old son, Graham, was hit by a drunk, drugged, and fatigued truck driver in 2005. Graham survived the crash after 22 different surgeries and three years of physical and occupational therapy. He is now permanently, partially disabled.

A provision in MAP-21 requires the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) to encourage each state to establish a freight advisory committee comprised of both private and public sectors. The Illinois State Freight Advisory Council is modeled after the U.S. DOT’s National Freight Committee and will work to advise the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on the best policies and practices to help improve freight transportation throughout the state.

Congratulations, Kate, on representing the safety community.

Click here for the press release announcing the Illinois State Freight Advisory Council’s full list of new members.