DOT May Put Red Light On Blue Light Escorts

A 90-day trial is under way to eliminate police escorts for oversize loads and to use private companies instead.

The Highway Patrol said the move would free up troopers who spend hours a day doing escorts.

Most private mobile home transport business owners said the yellow light on their vehicles does not command the attention that troopers do.

"That is the advantage. It's that instant response from the law enforcement officer that gives you that advantage because he's the top of the food chain," said Jack Reckler, of Straightshot Mobile Home Transport.

The 90-day trial began on Friday. The plan would later go to the state Department of Transportation for approval. If passed, the switch would go into effect on Sept. 1.