U.S. Dept. of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has asked the Hazardous Materials Advisory Council to relay to all involved in the transportation of hazardous materials - carriers in particular - his request that they pay special attention to:

(1) Hazmat routing guidelines and rules,
(2) Routing hazmat shipments away from cities and populated areas if possible,
(3) Exploring ways to improve hazmat cargo security measures, and
(4) Instructing personnel to call 911 at the time they observe anything that may be suggestive of criminal behavior and to call 311 if they later recall such an observation.

DOT is contacting State and local authorities to request they investigate any vehicles that appear to be off route or otherwise out of place.