Drive Regional 0813 Proof August 2013 | Page 33

als who have been convicted of certain egregious moving violations from driving a truck. But the standard for driving a car is much lower. In fact, hundreds of thousands( perhaps millions) of people who drive cars would never be allowed to drive trucks.
Byrd followed with,“ Recognizing these statistics – that 80 % of fatal truck crashes are two-vehicle crashes and at least 70 % of those are initiated by other motorists – we must admit that focusing almost exclusively on the condition of trucks and the behavior of truck drivers will – at best – be minimally effective in reducing fatal truck crashes. We must increase our emphasis on the unsafe behavior of those operating around trucks, both through enforcement and education. Said another way, changing the unsafe behaviors that cause the majority of truck-involved crashes must play a greater role in MCSAP and FMCSA’ s programs if we are to achieve the safety outcomes we all want.”
What I believe Phil Byrd is saying is the government doctor has his focus all wrong. The daily food that consists of 70 % donuts is the problem not the 30 % apples. But it appears that monetary fines for stops with inspections( read donuts here) are much higher than for stops without inspections( read apples here) and we all know the states really, really need the money.
Numbers don’ t lie. So I ask you, money for the states or safety for us?
• You can contact Jim C. Klepper at www. interstatetrucker. com or www. driverslegalplan. com. The information, advice and opinions in Legal
Lane are entirely those of Jim C. Klepper.
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