In a recent Op-Ed (Herald, May 12), “Bigger, heavier trucks on our highways a bad idea,” local fire chief Bruce Evans stressed the importance of safety in our nation’s highway transportation. We cannot agree more, and that is exactly why the Americans for Modern Transportation (AMT) coalition is working to increase the adoption of modern safety technologies and reduce the number of trucks on the roads.
With the tremendous increase of e-commerce across the country, it’s no secret our highways have become more congested and drivers face less-than-optimal driving conditions. In order to keep up with the staggering demand, AMT is urging policymakers to allow the widespread use of longer, but not heavier, trucks. It’s also critical that policymakers take this opportunity to encourage the expanded use of safety-enhancing measures, including vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems, computer-assisted braking and driver training programs.
By permitting the use of Twin 33 trailers beyond the twenty states, including Colorado, that currently allow their use on interstate highways, shippers can better meet the needs of today’s consumer without jeopardizing safety. Recent research conducted by Dr. Ronald Knipling, a 35-year traffic safety researcher, found a shift to Twin 33s, from the current 28s, would result in over 4,000 fewer crashes and 3.1 billion fewer vehicle miles traveled. Simply put, this decrease means fewer trucks on the road to move the same amount of goods.
AMT will continue to work with governments to ensure Americans have access to a modern transportation system that is technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable and increasingly safe.
Randy Mullett
Washington, D.C.
Editor’s Note: Mr. Mullett is the Executive Director of the Americans for Modern Transportation coalition.