Mr. Intensity, thanks for the postings to MIKEBD, but could you email me at info@stopspeedingtrucks.org ? You sound like a reasonable trucker, and we'd like to chat with you about the safety problems on PA highways. Thanks in advance.

There was a day , long ago, when big rig drivers were known for their friendliness, courtesy and safe driving, Not so much anymore I'm afraid. Personally I usually don't have a problem with truckers, my only complaint is that there are way too many of them on the roads, there are also way too many cars, add that to the fact that everybody seems to be late for where they are going makes our highways very unsafe for all of us. The number one safety problem on our roads is speeding, and just about everyone does it. Maybe if they would increase the speeding fines to a couple of thousand dollars and enforce the laws more. But I doubt even that would slow people down, they seem to think that exceeding the speed limit is no big deal, and hey, everyone does it, right?

If you have noticed, on the news, our industry is now being threatened by the pilot program by bush to allow mexican trucks to cross our borders. So just imagine how bad it is going to get on the roads now. Especially in the northern states where these drivers have NEVER dealt with winter weather and some of the other situation we have up here. I fear for everyone.

I love my job and do the best I can to respect everyone along with gaining respect from everyone for bringing them (including you) everything they need to live or everything they just want. We have a job to do, and sometimes the time frame we are giving is just not enough to get the job done. So some of us may exceed the posted speed limits to make sure we get what you need to where it has to be on time. We have pressure on us from customers, bosses, and so on to be on time. And when we are not on time, you, the consumer and down their throat because it isn't there, so, just like a domino effect, it ends up on us, the drivers.

I'm not saying you are wrong in your accusations at all sir. However, this is again, the type of drivers we are trying to rid of in our industry. But remember also, that many four wheels are just as guilty for the same actions. It will forever be an ongoing battle between many on the roadways of who is wrong and right, and who has the right of way. There are many things that need to be addressed to major companies who hire and train these drivers. However, there are many things that need to be taught to all of us as a whole. I am only one voice, but with the many of us who are interacting on here today, it is possible for this all to someday be heard.

As for drivers actions with speeding, high beams and so on. Yes, it is a sad reality, it is done. And I cannot apologize for everyone. I wish I could. However, remember what I stated previously " just steering wheel holders". But I believe you are not obtuse to ignore the fact that people in cars are much more guilty of these actions than trucks. And I have done 75 not only in Pennsylvania but all over the country just so I do not get run off the road or hinder the travels of those going to and from work in such a dang hurry. Or those who hang out in the left lane for no reason and will not move over. I mean, it is illegal to pass on the right in which many four wheelers are guilty of. I mean, think about it. Your talking about a 65 to 70 foot vechicle!! We have to look in a MIRROR on the passenger side and make sure we have that space to move back in the right lane. And if we do not do it immediately, many cars will decide to speed over and pass us in the right lane!!! WHERE WE HAVE THE MOST BLIND SPOTS!!!! In addition to this, if we turn our LEFT signal on to pass someone, cars will intentionally speed up and prevent us from getting in that lane and many times continue to linger there for several miles.

About the bridges, yes, I agree. That is disappointing in itself because there are postings on the bridges or before them. ESPECIALLY THE ONE ON 183 IN CRESSONA!!!! But I will remind you that some drivers are told by dispatchers to follow these routes and they will say "yeah, you can make it under there" or a customer will say " trucks go that way all the time". So, they do as they are told and well, they end up looking like tomorrows front page of the news. I'm not making excuses for those who can't read english, or are just too ignorant to respect the laws with the weight limits, it's just what happens to some of the honest drivers.

Now, I see that MIKEBD has a serious issue with trucks. And I can understand your concerns 100%. Now before I get into an explanation, let me remind you of my phrase " steering wheel holders". And the only way to define a steering wheel holder is basically like this - These drivers have no heritage in the industry. (meaning no family) They do not have the slightest clue that professional truck drivers are to be courteous, respectful, and among all things SAFE. They just hop in a truck, and drive it like it is their own personal vehicle. And these are the people that give our industry and bad image.

As far as paying off the state or anyone for that matter, is just assinine. If anything, the State of Pennyslvania alone is definitely not FOR anyone in the profession of driving. Look hard at the rules and regulations of the FMCA handbook and you will notice an ongoing list and amendments that we need to abide by. Also, the State police do a spectacular job to as it is with all they are confronted with day in and day out. And if you would open your eyes, you would notice that nearly everyday if not every other day, the rest areas and weigh stations at mile markers 7, 78.5, 132, 155, and the state line on I-81, along with the 26 on I-84, and the numerous points on I-80 are open and inspection drivers personal conditions, log books, their vehicles, loads, and so on. Not to mention on I-78 the numerous RANDOM stops they do because they do not even have a facility to check them. They have a portable scale and must inspect a truck ALONG SIDE A ROAD in which EVERYONE is exceeding the speed limit of 55 by 20 or more.

read on the next post.....

Okay Mr. Intensity, I'll take you up on your offer. Contact me at info@stopspeedingtrucks.org

harleyboy, unless you have the guts to put on a badge and go face the scum of society, you may want to hold off on the donut jokes. I feel sorry for the cops in this area because no matter what they do, someone is crying about how they handled it. Judges sit on their high perch and take weeks to decide a decision the cops had to make in 1 minute and lawyers get rich trying to make them look stupid or crooked. No, I'm not a cop and I don't personally know any of them that well, but I also try and stay informed enough about what's going on around me to realize that they guys are never going to be right in some peoples eyes. They chase the guy across the 4 lane highway and cause a chain reaction crash and they get sued for everything they own. The shoot the guy and get blamed for being wild cowboys. I mean c'mon already, who the heck are we to judge them from our warm livingrooms and soft office chairs? When was the last time any of us went walking around a dark corner looking for a guy with a gun at 3:00 in the morning? Or stopped a drug dealer on a street when he's got 6 of his fellow drug dealers hiding in the shadows? Of course we would't want to actually do any of that because then we might do something that would result in people judging us in the channel 27 forum board for days after the event.

Well, maybe the police out to be outside state legislator doors since truckers and those in the trucking industry like to payoff the legislators so outlaw truckers can do whatever they want (excessive speeding, tailgating, blaring their horns, high beaming motorist, pulling onto the highway at on ramps when they are supposed to yield, don't slow down in bad weather conditions, get stuck under the front and 2nd street bridges on harrisburg on a regular basis, also do the same with the cressona railroad bridge, drive on bridges even though they are nearly twice the restricted weight; and sound no different that radical muslims in their blame game (just take out america and israel and replace with speed limit and 4 wheelers but keep everything else the same).

And truckers always complain about getting cut off and that they can't see people who are too close to them. Well, why have I had several pass me and then cut right in front of me and don't even move far enough ahead so they can see me in their mirrors?

I wish the OHP (ohio highway patrol) would invade PA and then the outlaw truckers (and bad car drivers) would have their worst nightmare come true; strict law enforcement on our roads and highways.

maybe the boys better quit eating so many doughnuts and get in shape, come on they had him any he ran away????? Must have been pretty fast !!!!

Also, to the statement about state police having no backbone in pulling over outlaw truck drivers. Your statement is obtuse and very wayward. You have no idea what you are talking about and seem to be very anti-Truck. Your definition of outlaw truck drivers is no where close to it's real term. I would be glad to educate you in every aspect of what a driver goes through and what he must do in order to make a buck today. And of the police officers, read my previous paragraph. Along with the post by "hardworkingresident"

I find this story quite disturbing and troublesome because I AM a 4th Generation Truck Driver. The stories you hear about truck drivers today are, in most cases, over exaggerated and taken out of proportion. However, there are those in this industry that blemish the image of the real, hard working, american truck driver. This is one of those instances. I do not even consider this criminal a TRUCK DRIVER. The truck had no tags, and was bobtailing? where was the trailer. So my question is, was the truck stolen? Where did he come from? He couldn't have come from to far to be traveling without a plate.

Another issue is about the officers. One person stated about protocol and rules they must make. You are absolutely right. They must make those decisions faster than a Major League baseball player swinging at a 99mph pitch. And those decisions must be regards to their surroundings, civilians, traffic, the suspects threat, and their own lives. Also, the fact he struggled with two officers has nothing to do with the fact that the guy is probably in great shape. He might have been prepared to deal with these situations. And again, as previously stated by another individual, despiration makes people do crazy things.

I will say this. There is a difference between real, hard working truck drivers and posers that many of us on the road have come to know as "steering wheel holders". Please acknowledge the fact that not all drivers are evil, trouble makers, or outlaws to this extent. It's sad that just about anyone can get a CDL but driving truck takes pride, responsability, dedication, respect for others, and patience. And among all things, sense for SAFETY. So please do not let this incident give any of you the impression that all drivers are bad. Feel free to ask me anything you do not know about driving or our job. I will be happy to educate you. Thanks for listening.