James Oberstar: “It simply comes down to this: heavier trucks are more dangerous. They…”

On the recordApril 1, 2004

It simply comes down to this: heavier trucks are more dangerous. They are more costly to the Nation's highways. As truck weights increase, fatal accident rates go up, according to the University of Michigan's transportation research study. Heavier tractor-trailers raise the center of gravity of the vehicle and its load, increasing rollovers. Heavier vehicles mean increasing speed differentials with other traffic. Increasing truck weights result in greater brake maintenance problems. Brakes are out of adjustment, trucks take longer to stop. It is just that simple. I have studied this issue for many years. Heavier trucks are worse on the roadway, worse still on bridges, and are involved in a highly disproportionate greater number of accidents. Vote 'no' on the amendment.

Said by

James Oberstar

Democratic · Minnesota

Source

govinfo.gov

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the dangers and costs associated with heavier trucks during a floor debate.

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James Oberstar: “It simply comes down to this: heavier trucks are more dangerous. They are more costly to the Nation's highways. As truck…”

Editor's note · Context