Over 20 safety professionals gathered at RITA on June 2 for the Association’s first Safety Management Council (SMC) meeting. The newly formed body is grounded in one of RITA’s core purposes: to promote safety in the transportation and logistics industry through education, advocacy, and engagement.

Composed of safety directors, fleet managers and allied industry partners, the SMC aims to leverage the vast and diverse knowledge of its participants to elevate safety across every fleet operating in our state.

“This Council will only be as strong, influential, and effective as the people who choose to lean in, and last week showed that we have the right group to build something meaningful for Rhode Island’s trucking community, ” said SMC Chair Jeff Smith of JSS Transportation Safety Consulting.

Joining the group were Troopers Jason DiFusco and Samuel Hebb from the Rhode Island State Police Commercial Enforcement Unit, who provided a briefing on the 2026 RoadCheck results.

“With Rhode Island having a .61 fatal crash rating, almost one-third of the national average of 1.48, we have a firm footing and great momentum to build upon,” said RITA President Chris Maxwell.

“We thank these Council members and their employers for lending their time, talent and wisdom to the worthy and essential cause,” he added.

The group, which will initially meet quarterly, will now establish committees to carry out the Council’s business, including Enforcement and Regulatory Affairs, Events and Outreach, Awards and Recognition, and Training and Education. Once established, monthly training and safety roundtables will be offered to all members.