Some say bigger trucks in New England could be hazardous

The amount that freight trucks are legally allowed to haul is an ongoing debate nationwide. Fleet management owners wish to load their big rigs with as much material as possible for maximum profits, while also adhering to the trucking safety rules mandated by government officials. In Maine and Vermont, state officials are encouraging larger trucks to be allowed on the highways, causing other opposing groups to be concerned about accidents.

The Parents Against Tired Truckers (PATT) and the Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) disagree with the proposed bill. Some find the legislation to be outdated, not taking into consideration the damage done to the roads by Hurricane Irene, which make them even more precarious than in the past.

Joan Claybrook, chair of Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH), says this idea will put truckers and other motorists’ in danger more so than usual with the allowance of even larger trucks and more freight to be hauled within the states.

"The subcommittee had the opportunity to save lives and protect our nation's infrastructure investments," Claybrook said. "Instead the bill includes a 'corporate giveaway' for the trucking industry.”

Some say bigger trucks in New England could be hazardous

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011