Hardly a day goes by ...certainly at least once a week - when the area media reports collisions between trucks and passenger cars.
And guess which ones usually lose out?
Even my good Catholic wife has a pet name for Trucks ...a name which the word 'Truck' itself contains most of its letters.
Over the years, we have traveled many times to Florida ...a 1,500+ mile journey and in the early years the trip was most enjoyable. We were able to stop off a points of interest - both coming and going which served to enhance the holiday experience.
But in recent years that has changed...so much so that we now fly and I hate flying. But the overall traffic has increased dramatically as has the poor abilities of today's drivers.
But most especially, it is the Trucks which have ruined it for us. If traffic generally has increased...as it has, the number of trucks on the road has skyrocketed. Plus they go way too fast, and lane change with abandon rendering it literally life-threatening if you get in their way.
As an aside, another big problem with driving today are the big passenger vehicles...SUVs, Vans and the like. What one really needs, in addition to seat-belts and air bags are periscopes to enable you to see what is happening ahead of the big box vehicle directly in front. I should patent the idea.
But today's blog is about the Truck and what to do about it.
First, force all Trucks to drive in just the driving lane and be prevented from passing. Second, limit their speed to no more than 55 miles per hour. Third, strictly limit a driver's time at the wheel to no more than 9 hours with a sufficient number of 15 minute breaks to ensure their driving reflexes are kept sharp and Fourth, compulsory and frequent alcohol / drug checks.
All of this would greatly enhance safety on the road and it would also help ensure a level playing field for all truckers. Currently, they try to adhere to unrealistic and dangerous time-tables and are literally falling asleep at the wheel. This was the fate of one of my close in-laws who at the time of his death was the same age as me.
But there is still one more thing in regard to Trucks and the danger they pose on our highways. Often they are carrying hazardous materials which puts far more lives at risk than in the collisions themselves. Rarely are these Trucks identified as carrying such dangerous loads.
Such Trucks need to be convoyed - ideally police vehicles in front and in back with lights flashing. A second driver should also be in the cab to monitor the driver and step in if and when the need arises.
Unless and until this happens I am going to keep to the air.
As I see it...
'K.D. Galagher'
