Utah DOT may widen trucking lanes to promote better safety measures

After many complaints by Utah residents, the state's Department of Transportation (DOT) is working on maintenance and improvement on the stretch of Interstate 15 that includes Black Ridge,

In an effort to aid in the security of the general public as well as provide more trucking safety measures, the DOT is exploring proposals that will extend the truck lane between mileposts 34 and 38.

Officials told the news source that the greatest effect would be on individuals driving cars because they would not be stuck behind slow trucks weighed down by heavy freight.

"The impact on our drivers is that they will feel better about the fact that they are not holding up car traffic," Eric Lasher, general transportation manager of the local Walmart Distribution Center, told the news provider.

Online truck driver safety courses may be an ideal method for companies to help their operators learn the best ways avoid further congesting traffic, which can be a safety hazard for all drivers who share the road.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 74,000 people were injured in a motor vehicle accident that involved a large truck in 2009, which is a decrease of nearly 16,000 from 2008.

By Anna Byrne 

Utah DOT may widen trucking lanes to promote better safety measures

Monday, March 28th, 2011