Longer Vehicles; Road, Bridge Names; Seat Belts
These Letters to the Editor appear in the July 26 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.
Longer Vehicles
The July 12 issue of Transport Topics reported on the recently passed resolution of the Western Governors’ Association that calls on Congress to allow for longer combination vehicle pilot programs: “Western Governors Back New Pilot Programs to Study Effects of Longer Trailer Combinations” (click here for story).
The article accurately describes the group’s action but leaves out some salient facts. First and foremost are the tenacious efforts of Gov. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.) who fought tirelessly for the resolution against some stiff opposition from a small number of states. (The resolution eventually passed by an overwhelming majority.)
Second, the article declined to highlight what was probably the most compelling reason for the governors’ action: the potential environmental and public health benefits.
The governors recognize that because longer combination vehicles allow the same amount of freight to be transported on fewer trucks, benefits are reduced fuel consumption, less reliance on foreign oil, fewer emissions of greenhouse gases, improved safety and less traffic congestion.
Earl Eisenhart
Transportation Policy Consultant
Washington, D.C.
Road, Bridge Names
It was interesting to read in the July 5 issue about the increase in naming roads and bridges in West Virginia to honor individuals and events. According to the article: “West Virginia officials have named 460 bridges and highways across the state to recognize military veterans, politicians, labor leaders, sports and entertainment figures and a handful of historical events.”
I wonder why the states have not followed the lead of sports organizations and advertisers. It seems bridges and highway maintenance could be “sponsored by” businesses. For example, Exxon could pay for painting or bridge maintenance in exchange for a modest logo promoting safe driving. A manufacturer could agree to offer money for highway maintenance near its location, in exchange for “good neighbor” signage.
Highway signage also could be used for sponsored mowing or snow removal. It would be a reasonable investment for some good publicity. Companies could cross-promote their corporate citizenship on other print and broadcast media as they often do. It seems like an idea worth exploring to me.
Eric Alfredson
Allen Lund Co.
Richmond, Va.
Seat Belts
Regarding the recently released Roadcheck results (click here for story): I truly believe that if the original equipment manufacturers were to redesign their three-point seat belts in such a way that the shoulder belt moves in sync with the driver’s seat, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance would find a considerable improvement in overall seat-belt use.
Air-ride cabs move at a different pace than air-ride seats, resulting in the shoulder strap consistently tightening around the driver’s neck area. Maybe CVSA inspectors should track usage based on whether the shoulder strap is equipped with the gadget that allows the driver some extra slack on the shoulder belt to compensate for and prevent the annoying belt tightening.
I kid you not: Three weeks ago, I drove a cab/chassis Navistar from Ohio to the Canadian Maritimes (1,450 miles), with the shoulder belt continuously choking my airway across every bump in the road. Mind you, I kept wearing the belt — as uncomfortable as it was — because I never drive unbelted, but I can well see some drivers just saying, “To hell with this.”
In my opinion, the three points of the belts should all be anchored to the driver’s seat — or the “slack-minder” gadget should be a mandatory component of said belts.
André Perret
Fleet Safety/Compliance Professional
The Road-Scholar
Hamilton, Ontario
