While Missouri is making headway curtailing crash fatalities involving large trucks, and as Kansas battles an increasingly deadly trend, lawmakers in Congress are weighing proposals that threaten to reverse any gains, putting area motorists at risk. At issue are proposals that would allow huge tractor trailers on the nation’s roads, despite powerful evidence indicating that crash rates are much greater for heavier trucks. Lawmakers are eyeing legislation promoted by large shipping companies that would increase truck weights from the current…
People’s World | Consumers League, Teamsters Again Battle vs. Oversized Trucks
“WASHINGTON—In a rerun of a 40-year-old battle over safety on the nation’s roads, the National Consumers League, the Teamsters, and their allies are again trying to throttle the truck companies’ push for longer and heavier trucks traversing U.S. highways. As it has since 1983, the battle is being waged on Capitol Hill, but the outcome is vital to everyone in the U.S. After all, everyone uses the roads, whether they’re drivers, passengers, truckers, pedestrians, or cyclists. On July 22, it…
Watch: Fox 59 (Indiana) | Proposal for heavier trucks draws opposition from consumer groups
“WXIN/WTTV – A proposal in Congress to increase the weight limits on big trucks is prompting debate and opposition from consumer groups who cite safety concerns. H.R. 3372 would increase the weight limit on six-axle trucks on the nation’s interstates from 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds. Proponents argue the change would mean reduced operating costs for trucking companies, fewer trucks on the roads burning less fuel and faster delivery routes.” Watch & Read+…
Watch: CBS4 Indy | 4 Your Money: Proposal for heavier trucks draws opposition from consumer groups
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Yahoo | County asks feds for caps on civil rights lawsuit payouts, truck weight limits
“Rogers County appealed to the federal government Monday to cap civil rights lawsuit payouts and restrict truck weight on county roads. District 3 Commissioner Ron Burrows brought a pair of resolutions on these topics to Monday’s meeting. He and District 1 Commissioner Dan DeLozier signed off on them; Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Steve Hendrix was absent. Burrows is the National Association of Counties’ state representative for Oklahoma. The commissioner said NACo, which lobbies the federal government on counties’ behalf,…
The Hill | Allowing Bigger Freight Trucks Would be a Highway Disaster
“Nearly 40 percent of major roads in America are in bad shape, costing the average driver $1,400 every year in repairs and lost time. The U.S. already has some of the most dangerous roads in the developed world. That’s why Americans must stand united against destructive legislative proposals to introduce massive freight trucks that are larger and heavier than our infrastructure can support. By maintaining current truck size limits, Congress can keep occupants, pedestrians and taxpayers in the driver’s seat.”…
Great Bend Tribune (KS) | Proposals in Congress would threaten Kansas infrastructure and public safety
“As president of the Kansas County Highway Association, I am concerned by continued efforts in the nation’s capital that would make Kansas highways more dangerous for motorists while damaging infrastructure, especially bridges. Special interest groups in Washington, D.C. are seeking to increase semi-truck size and maximum weights on our nation’s highways. They are floating various proposals that would raise the limit on truck weights from 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds and beyond.” Read More+…
Delaware Valley Journal | BINKER/BOHAN: Federal Truck Legislation Would Put Pennsylvania Motorists at Risk
“A group of 20 industry organizations, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, opposes increasing the weight limit. In a House subcommittee hearing on the proposed change, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh warned lawmakers off the idea. “Some shippers, large carriers and specific industries continue to claim increasing truck size and weight is good for trucking,” Pugh said. “Make no mistake, these are losing propositions for truckers and highway safety.” Read More+…
My Journal Courier (IL) | Commentary: Opponents of lifting weight limits on trucks say road safety is at risk — Chris Woodward
“Supporters of a pilot program to lift the federal limit of 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds say doing more with less — fewer trucks carrying more freight — will lower costs and address the shortage of drivers. The Heavier Truck Pilot Project, which has been debated in several sessions of Congress, would allow the increased weight for 10 years, with the goal of gathering data to measure the effects of the policy. Opponents argue that advocates overlook the damage to…
The Bakersfield Californian | Community Voices: Heavier trucks would spell disaster for California (Jake Johnson, President – California Association of Highway Patrolmen)
“California is the most populated state in the nation with the fifth largest economy in the world. We certainly have our fair share of trucks, and we see more every year. California motorists are put in danger by the sheer number of trucks and the road conditions in which they drive. They shouldn’t be made into test subjects to quantify the injuries and lives lost. Imagine any truck on the road massively overloaded just for the sake of money. How…