OOIDA Call to Action – Arizona members
November 3, 2009

Heads up, Arizona truckers. The Arizona Department of Transportation and your state lawmakers need to hear from you about the dwindling options available for resting in the state. This is a situation that is already bad and could soon get worse.

The state has closed 13 of its 18 rest areas, citing mounting budget woes. To make matters worse, the five rest areas still open may be on the chopping block. That’s because Gov. Jan Brewer has asked state agencies to consider another round of budget cuts – an additional 15 percent – which could mean the shuttering of all the rest areas in the state.

Citing struggles with the state’s overall budget, an ADOT spokesman says the state is being forced to take steps that more drivers “will notice.” Drivers aren’t fools. They have already noticed.

It is imperative to let ADOT know these rest areas are vital for the safety of truck operators and other travelers as well.

Not only does ADOT need to get this message, but your state lawmakers do, too. Lawmakers should be interested in setting priorities that won’t create problems that are a detriment to public safety.

There is no time to waste. Put the pressure on NOW for ADOT and state lawmakers to work toward solutions that won’t put public safety in jeopardy.

You are encouraged to contact ADOT Director John Halikowski about your concerns. Comments can be mailed to Arizona DOT Directors’ Office, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007. His office phone number is 602-712-7227.

For contact information for your state Representative and Senator, click here.