Every day hundreds of commercial trucks and semis pass through Pittsburgh on various Pennsylvania state highways and Interstates 376 and 279. Even though traffic fatalities have declined across the country, the number of fatalities related to truck accidents has increased. A recently proposed federal highway bill may further contribute to the number of fatal truck and car accidents by potentially allowing bigger trucks on the road.

Last week, representatives in Congress introduced a bill called the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act. The proposed law would provide $260 billion to fund federal highway projects across the country. However, one provision of the bill would also allow for larger trucks on highways by increasing the federal weight limit from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds. In some instances, semis as heavy as 126,000 pounds would be allowed onto highways.

The provision would also allow 18-wheelers to be longer. Some big rigs already haul two or three trailers and the proposed law would allow trucks to be 10 feet longer. The total length of semis could be more than 100 feet. Some drivers are already intimidated by the size of semis currently on the road and those against the controversial provision say now is not the time to allow for bigger trucks.

Opponents of the provision say larger trucks on the road will lead to more traffic fatalities because bigger trucks will require greater distances to stop and the greater weight will cause deadlier accidents. Those in favor of the provision say the danger of bigger trucks can be mitigated by a sixth axle. They argue trucks can be outfitted with a sixth axle that would help maintain braking and handling of the bigger rigs.

Those in Congress who oppose the measure say they will try every legislative tactic to prevent the passage of the provision.

Source: CNN, "New transportation bill creates safety concerns over bigger rigs," Greg Clary, Feb. 1, 2012