

| Legislative Watch |
Nevada |
8-2-01 -- The session ended June 4, killing all unresolved bills. The next session begins Feb. 3, 2003. For bill status information, call (775) 684-6800.
3/1/01 - Nevada State Assemblyman
John Carpenter plans to introduce a bill that would lower the state's
highway speed limit for large trucks. Carpenter, of Elko, pre-filed
the bill on Aug. 10, 1999, and it's been waiting since then on the state's
list of bill draft requests for the 71st session.
OOIDA member Loren Hunt recently sent a letter to Carpenter asking him
to reconsider his sponsorship of bill draft request no. 43-33. In his
letter, Hunt described Nevada as a sensible state that appears to consider
professional drivers as capable of flowing with the traffic in a safe
manner.
In a response letter, Carpenter said, " I appreciate what truckers
do, but I can tell you by the mail and calls I receive there are many
people who believe truckers are inconsiderate when driving." The
laundry list given by Carpenter explained that "if truckers obeyed
the speed limit on I-80 through Nevada, did not block both lanes of
traffic for many miles when trying to pass, would slow down in stormy
conditions and not (throw) slush and rocks all over the smaller vehicles,
did not tailgate vehicles in construction zones and did not (violate)
numerous other safety considerations, we would need no such laws."
Hunt wrote in his letter to Carpenter that uniform speed limits make
it easier for trucks to flow with traffic. He also pointed out that
the states that have eliminated split speed limits for trucks have
had
a decline in accidents. "Please don't relegate us to second class
status," Hunt said, "as though we are just a nuisance that
needs to be moved out of the way of more important travelers."
To voice your own opinion on the impending legislation, contact Assemblyman
Carpenter at (775) 684-8831 or e-mail at jcarpenter@asm.state.nv.us.






