The Truck Safety Coalition joined last Tuesday with families and survivors of truck crash accidents, injuries, and fatalities, as well as with Senate and House sponsors and safety and labor advocates to take steps towards supporting a safety legislation which intents to freeze truck load weight and size restrictions. (SHIPA), the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Prevention Act – which is sponsored by Frank Lautenberg (Senator D-NJ) and James McGovern (Representative D-MA) aims to freeze the current truck size and federal weight limits as well as close existing loopholes which would permit the operation of oversized trucks – and ensure accountability.
“Every year more than 4,000 people are slaughtered on our nation’s highways while corporate trucking and shipping interests continue to push Congress for heavier trucks,” said Joan Claybrook , Chair, Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH). “Heavy trucks are deadly, dangerous and destructive. Families are paying with their lives and with their wallets.”
According to a poll conducted for the Truck Safety Coalition:
- 68% oppose heavier trucks
- 88% of Americans do not wish to have an increase in tax dollars to repair damage caused by heavier trucks.
The Top 15 Worst States for Truck Crash Fatalities | In Order:
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- Kansas
- Indiana
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Iowa
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- Georgia
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