Truckers Weigh in on Storm Response

[Staff]

A number of state lawmakers said they will consider making truck drivers use tire chains in winter weather and maybe even ban truck traffic on interstates altogether during a bad storm.

Tractor-trailers lined Route 940 in Carbon County after being forced off the interstates last week. It was just one the traffic nightmares created by last week's winter storm.

State lawmakers said they're considering ways to prevent that from happening again.

"Folks have suggested that the legislature further restrict travel during emergency events. Perhaps we need to ban or require trucks to use chains during winter events," said State Senator Lisa Baker.

The idea got mixed reactions at a truck stop in Pittston Township, where some truckers like the idea of chains and others said they never needed them before. They blame the state for road shutdowns and problems.

"They got three days to prepare. They could have done a better job, with three days advance notice. I mean that's ridiculous," said Donald Pope of Tennessee.

"Having the chains isn't a bad thing and they're great on snow. They don't help much on ice. The only thing that helps on ice are studs," said trucker R.J. Bissett of Ohio.

As far as getting big trucks off the road during an emergency, all the drivers who were asked said that's a good idea. But they worry about where are they going to go.

"Where are you going to put them? There aren't enough places for guys to park anyhow. You'll see a lot of trucks parked along the interstate ramps at night now. A lot of states have laws against that, but where are they going to go?" asked Bissett.

Drivers said chain laws and truck bans work elsewhere and they'll deal with it if it comes here. They just think there needs to be better communication and preparation by state officials.

Source: newswatch 16