I do not know when it happened but at some point semi-truck drivers went from knights of the road to bully’s of the road.  One only has to drive the freeway system to see ample evidence of this, particularly routes like I40 across northern Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.  For instance – two trucks driving side-by-side on  a 2 lane freeway.  Cutting you off on an uphill grade so that they do not have to slow down.  Some states have addressed this problem by forbidding trucks in the left lanes, but this only works where there are more than two lanes in each direction.

Another issue – the tire chunks that litter our roads.  This happens because truckers are using recap tires on their trailers.  These chunks are a hazard when they fly off – they could hit your car and if you should hit one lying on the road.  Also, we are stuck with the cost of picking up this trash.  Think of it – what would happen if you pitched a piece of junk out the window?  Depending on the state, you could be liable for up to a $1,000.00 fine!  But for truckers we are charged for the litter.

One of the best stretches of the Interstate system is I580 from Oakland to the I80/I580 split – NO TRUCKS!!  I know that trucks are necessary but I do think that something should be done to address the abuses.