Fine truck drivers snagged by low bridge
On Saturday, Oct. 29, above the fold, the headline reads: "Real sticking point. Score so far this year, Davie Street Bridge 6, Big Trucks 0." Well, duh. Is that a big surprise?
There have only been seven trucks stuck (another was trapped this week) under that bridge this year, not to mention the ones that came before.
Now our city leaders are going to spend our hard-earned money to put up a light-detection system and flashing sign that says "Over Height." You have to know that is going to fix things really well. This is yet again an example of the public paying for the ignorance and plain stupidity of a few.
I say, enact a local ordinance that says, if you stick your truck under any of our bridges, you will be charged with the cost of removal, and fined for being to darned dumb to even be driving a big rig. After all, do you really not know how high the trailer is that you are pulling?
The fine for doing this bone-headed stunt should be $1,000 to the driver, $5,000 to the company or owner of the rig. Why should the public pay?
Kenneth Ludington
Greensboro
Comments (1)
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I do not understand why DOT or the City cannot just hang a "bright yellow log" at the right height similar to what many parking garages utilize.
By George, if the trucker hits it and still proceeds to get stuck under the bridge, I think as you suggest, his marbles are scarce and he or his company should be fined as well as charged for all expenses incurred by the city, emergency crews, etc.
Seems another option is to change the traffic pattern and post: "NO TRUCKS over 1 ton"!
If the city insists on imposing an elaborate electronic notification system and allow truckers to take this route, they should put a toll gate up for truckers to pay for it!
Posted on November 6, 2005 8:08 AM