Post by Clipper on May 28, 2011 12:45:24 GMT -5
www.wktv.com/news/local/Safety-concerns-arise-as-Congress-debates-allowing-bigger-heavier-trucks-on-road.html
It amazes me to see that congress would even consider legislation to increase the allowable weight restrictions on trucks.
Way back when I still lived in NY, worked at Griffiss, and drove part time, I worked hauling bulk cement trailers, and dump trailers for a company that had permits to exceed the 80,00 lb gross weight limitations, and to haul 97,000lbs gross weight. It was harder to stop, slower to climb hills, and had to be very hard on bridges and pavement. Bridges are in a sad state already without taxing their structural integrity with increased loading.
While living in Minnesota in the 80's for a short time, I was part of an experimental program, where they selected 12 drivers with a 12 year safety record, and had us pull triple trailers on the Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio toll roads. We pulled 3 twenty eight foot "pup" trailers, loaded with rolled newprint, and were able to gross at around 127,000 pounds and the overall length of the combo was over 100 feet. If I remember correctly we were allowed up to about 20,000lbs per axle. The weight was not such an issue with the longer combo, as was the safety and driveability. Even with increased compressor size, the combos were slow to stop, slow to recover air volume and pressure after braking. It was an experience that I will never forget. The third trailer was called a "kite" because when empty, it was all over the road with the slightest breeze. Driving such a combo is like riding on the head of a writhing snake. There is NO relaxing and sitting back in the seat. You are on the wheel every second to keep the damn thing straight and in line.
I would be inclined to contact your congressman and tell him you do not support any legislation to increase weight limits or combination lengths, as they will wreak havoc on bridges and pavement, and be less than safe in a region with NY's winter weather. The last time I was in NY, the interstates and bridges were not in prime condition as it was, without increasing any weight limits.
Any increase in logistical efficiency or fuel savings will be paid for by YOU in taxes to repair infrastructure and bridges. As the article states, it is a documented fact that trucks, highway use taxes, and tolls only pay for about 80% of the damage that trucks do to the roads and bridges now, without increasing it with heavier trucks.
It amazes me to see that congress would even consider legislation to increase the allowable weight restrictions on trucks.
Way back when I still lived in NY, worked at Griffiss, and drove part time, I worked hauling bulk cement trailers, and dump trailers for a company that had permits to exceed the 80,00 lb gross weight limitations, and to haul 97,000lbs gross weight. It was harder to stop, slower to climb hills, and had to be very hard on bridges and pavement. Bridges are in a sad state already without taxing their structural integrity with increased loading.
While living in Minnesota in the 80's for a short time, I was part of an experimental program, where they selected 12 drivers with a 12 year safety record, and had us pull triple trailers on the Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio toll roads. We pulled 3 twenty eight foot "pup" trailers, loaded with rolled newprint, and were able to gross at around 127,000 pounds and the overall length of the combo was over 100 feet. If I remember correctly we were allowed up to about 20,000lbs per axle. The weight was not such an issue with the longer combo, as was the safety and driveability. Even with increased compressor size, the combos were slow to stop, slow to recover air volume and pressure after braking. It was an experience that I will never forget. The third trailer was called a "kite" because when empty, it was all over the road with the slightest breeze. Driving such a combo is like riding on the head of a writhing snake. There is NO relaxing and sitting back in the seat. You are on the wheel every second to keep the damn thing straight and in line.
I would be inclined to contact your congressman and tell him you do not support any legislation to increase weight limits or combination lengths, as they will wreak havoc on bridges and pavement, and be less than safe in a region with NY's winter weather. The last time I was in NY, the interstates and bridges were not in prime condition as it was, without increasing any weight limits.
Any increase in logistical efficiency or fuel savings will be paid for by YOU in taxes to repair infrastructure and bridges. As the article states, it is a documented fact that trucks, highway use taxes, and tolls only pay for about 80% of the damage that trucks do to the roads and bridges now, without increasing it with heavier trucks.
