What a bunch of backward-thinking, money-grubbing, atavistic nuts we have in our state senate. They may actually pass legislation allowing mo’ bigger heavier trucks on our already crowded highways. They must be hookin’ for votes from the trucking industry—otherwise, how could they possibly think that allowing heavier trucks on our already-compromised transportation infrastructure is a good thing? They aren’t thinking.
And now, with gas prices forcing more citizens to finally consider putting down their fully loaded SUVs for smaller, more fuel-conserving and less-polluting vehicles, our state senate wants us to contend with monster trucks on our mountain roads. If this legislation passes, I’m not going to give up my bad-ass SUV anytime soon: I want to live.
I urge anyone interested in this issue to contact their state legislators. Tell them we don’t want bigger, heavier trucks on our mountain roads. Instead, we should encourage the use of lighter-weight vehicles and alternative fuel sources. Or work to create more rail in this country so we can preserve our rapidly diminishing landscapes. At least repair our sagging bridges and roadbeds before adding to the danger.
— Susan Crockett
Fairview
It’s not “heavier” trucks, only longer, but I agree that 48 feet, the existing trailer lenght limit, is plenty and should even be reduced to 45′ or 43′. Then allow “turnpike doubles”, two 45s, or a 53′ and a 37′, on the best superhighways, which I-40 through Haywood County is not.
NC can reset the industry standard. Or if industry doesn’t reset, then just get some revenue from fines. There are still many old 48′ and 45′ trailers around, they can just be refurbished. And a shorter trailer is a lighter trailer and a lighter trailer can carry more net weight with the same gross limit, 40 tons, or 75 tons for turnpike doubles.