Rigs must begin to take responsibility

The Monday editorial about big trucks showed a one-sided approach to an ongoing problem in our highways. We cannot deny that the interstate trucking industry contributes to our economy and taxes that help repair the interstates and highways that these vehicles travels through. It is undeniable that the big trucks, as well as the other vehicles on the road, have every right to utilize our interstate system with out fear or dread.

As an assistant state coordinator of the AARP Driver Safety Program, we conduct drivers’ safety classes for baby boomers and older drivers. We ask our students about the frustrations they encounter while driving and the most common response is about sharing the freeway/highway with big rigs. Most often, these trucks are exceeding the speed limit and following cars too closely. Some, not all, even travel illegally in the left lane of the freeway. There is never a law enforcement personnel around to stop this situation.

We educate our students about blind spots and dangers while on the road and how to avoid dangerous driving incidents commonly encountered during everyday traffic, but it can get frustrating when these big rigs are literally getting away with the way they share the road with smaller vehicles. No one can deny that there are just as many car drivers who can be a problem on the road, but I think that it is about time that the driving public (truckers too) start making a concentrated effort to make safe driving conditions in our state a major responsibility. Every driver on the road deserves the respect and consideration of others. Drivers’ safety and safe driving can be started just by common courtesy to others and practicing the golden rule. Who knows, by doing something nice on the road, you may save a life – your own.

Joey Amposta

Assistant State Coordinator

AARP Driver Safety Program

Marysville