OOIDA Call to Action - Missouri Members
February 19, 2003

Heads up, Missouri truckers! Legislation introduced in the state Senate needs your attention.

Missouri lawmakers are considering proposals that would keep big rigs out of the left lane and reduce truck speeds on state roadways.
SB384, introduced by Sen. Jon Dolan, R-St. Charles, and SB495, introduced by Sen. Anita Yeckel, R-St. Louis, would prohibit semis weighing more than 24,000 pounds and 48,000 pounds, respectively, from driving in the far left-hand lane on "all interstate highways, freeways or expressways ... having three or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction."
Drivers would be permitted to merge left in certain situations, including instruction by emergency personnel or another vehicle entering the roadway.
SB495 also would cut truck speeds from 70 mph to 65 mph on rural interstates and freeways; 60 mph from 65 mph on rural expressways; and 55 mph from 60 mph on urban interstate highways, freeways and expressways.
SB148, introduced by Sen. Wayne Goode, D-St. Louis, carries the same speed provisions.
The Senate Transportation Committee is reviewing all three bills. It is vital you contact the committee members to let them know what lane restrictions and split speeds would mean to road safety.
For contact information, visit www.senate.state.mo.us/03INFO/comm/tran.htm, or call OOIDA's membership department at 1-800-444-5791 and they'll look it up.