Big-trucks bill clears Senate committee

Raleigh, N.C. — A proposal that would ease restrictions on where large trucks can travel in North Carolina cleared a state Senate committee Thursday.

Senate Bill 1695 would allow 53-foot semitrailers to operate on North Carolina's primary roads. It would also increase the weight limit of certain farm equipment and allow wider boat trailers.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Clark Jenkins, D-Edgecombe, says the use of the trucks is necessary because they are the primary way commerce moves across the country and that North Carolina needs to allow them on smaller roads to protect the business.

The state Highway Patrol, however, is worried about easing the restrictions, saying it will result in more wrecks.

"When you allow heavier vehicles to travel on the highway, and when you allow longer vehicles to travel on the highway, you do see an increase in traffic collisions involving those type of vehicles," Patrol spokesman Lt. Everett Clendenin said. "So, we know there will be an increase in traffic collisions."

Jenkins is offering concessions to keep the bill moving.

"I acknowledge that there are certain routes, particularly in the western part of the state, that (big trucks) don't belong on, and I would be glad if the DOT or the Highway Patrol wants to give me a list, if we exempt them," he said."

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Inthewind,

I completely disagree with your observations. The vast majority of reckless drivers I see are those in automobiles, many of which are talking on the phone in stead of driving. And this is coming from someone who has never driving a truck.

68_polara
June 13, 2008 9:07 a.m.

"Truck drivers are safe and 2-4 wheel drivers are dangerous." Give it a break. I just returned from touring the West from the Southwest to the Northwest and back to the Midwest. Most of the people who are dangerous on the highway are semis. I drove the speed limit or slightly under in the slow lane and I still had semis so close to me all I could see were their grills. If they didn't get out in time to pass that is their problem. They can tell they are gaining on me. I am not obligated to drive faster just for a semi driver. In fact he is obligated to not put my life and others in danger. I had trucks all over the road and side of the road (probably popping little whites), they pulled out within 5 feet of my back bumper, and cut back in on me at the point that I had to apply brakes to keep from being hit. They were usually driving well above the speed limits particularly in work zones. So don't call them safe in general. In genreral they are not.

InTheWind
June 12, 2008 6:24 p.m.

come on wolfpackerr, go talk to truck drivers, they will tell you how many times a day they have to swerve, or slam on breaks, do everything they can to keep from hitting someone because of an idiot in a small compact car or a pickup truck thinks they can stop quickly and pulls out in front of them at the last minute, or somebody using the "extra" pavement on the interstate to "beat" him up n down the ramp simply b/c they dont wanna be behind a rig! these truck drivers have more skill then they are given credit for!!!!!

tarheelblue919
June 12, 2008 6:00 p.m.

Much ado about nothing. The roads can take it easily. These trucks cause very few accidents. Clendinin's statement is meaningless. Of course if we let these vehicles on the road there will be more crashes involving them! There not on the road now, Einstein! It's only logical. Show us the figures that says THESE trucks or boats cause the crashes. These current laws were written long ago when the roads were narrower. Time to update and come into the 21st century.

lizard
June 12, 2008 5:45 p.m.

The most dangerous people on the road are the ones on 2 wheels and 4 wheels. A person that drives a truck are mostly professional and log more miles in two months than most everyone has in a year. It is the 'I'm in a hurry everywhere' I go jerks that cause accidents. You can't stop a truck like you can those little rice rockets everyone loves.

A truck on secondary roads will hurt nothing. With the increased price of fuel there will probably not be as many around anyway and hopefully not the cars either.