7/17/03-A proposal to slow down big rigs on state roadways has died.
Under the measure, trucks speeds would have been cut from 70 mph to 65 mph on rural interstate highways and freeways; 60 mph from 65 mph on rural expressways; and 55 mph from 60 mph on urban interstate highways, freeways and expressways.
SB495 also prohibited tractor-trailers weighing more than 48,000 pounds from driving in the far left-hand lane “upon all interstate highways, freeways, or expressways … having three or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction.”
The bill was in the Senate Transportation Committee when the regular session ended May 17.

2/18/03-Senate Assistant Majority Floor Leader Anita Yeckel, R-St. Louis, has introduced a bill to slow down big rigs on state roadways.
Under the measure, trucks speeds would be cut 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.
SB495 also prohibits tractor-trailers weighing more than 48,000 pounds from driving in the far left-hand lane "upon all interstate highways, freeways, or expressways ... having three or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction," Yeckel wrote.
Trucks would be permitted to merge left in certain situations, including instruction by emergency personnel or another vehicle entering the roadway.
The measure has been sent to the Senate Transportation Committee. It is vital you contact the committee members to let them know what split speeds and lane restrictions 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.
For Senate bill status, call (573) 751-3824.