Pennsylvania police chiefs see daily how dangerous large trucks can be. Their experience responding to accidents has shown that heavier trucks are riskier for motorists. Despite this, some lawmakers are pushing to allow trucks weighing 91,000 pounds, an increase of 11,000 pounds.
Heavier trucks are more dangerous. They carry extra risk and are more likely to cause severe accidents. Adding 5.5 tons to a truck means crashes will be more severe, leading to more injuries and fatalities.
Pennsylvania already has heavy truck traffic on major routes like I-95, I-80, and I-79. Our police departments are already overwhelmed dealing with truck accidents that don’t involve trucks as heavy as 91,000 pounds.
Studies show heavier trucks have more brake and safety violations and are much more likely to be involved in crashes. Heavier trucks are harder to control, and their impact in crashes is greater, leading to more deaths and damage.
In 2022, Pennsylvania saw 7,652 large-truck crashes, with 185 fatalities, a 14.2% increase from the previous year. Given the dangers, why would we increase truck weights?
The push for heavier trucks comes from wealthy shipping companies with influence in Congress. Because this issue doesn’t always make national headlines, these companies think they can quietly pass this legislation without much notice.
Local law enforcement leaders urge elected officials to oppose bills like H.R. 3372, which would allow 91,000-pound trucks in a 10-year pilot project. Public safety should come first, and the risks are too high for the sake of corporate profit.
Scott L. Bohn is the executive director of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, representing over 1,200 top law enforcement officers in the state.