AAA: 7 in 10 Georgia Voters Oppose an Increase in Truck Weights

SEVEN IN 10 GEORGIA REGISTERED VOTERS OPPOSE AN INCREASE IN TRUCK WEIGHTS

Measures Facing Congress would Substantially Increase Weight Limits

TAMPA, Fla. (Dec. 14, 2011) – The majority of Georgia voters (71%) said they are overwhelmingly opposed to allowing heavier trucks on Georgia’s roadways, according to a survey conducted by AAA. Respondents are also strongly in favor (69%) of increasing the fine for overweight trucks in Georgia. Congress is debating whether states should be permitted to increase allowable tractor-trailer truck weights from the current 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds. AAA calls on lawmakers to reject these measures and supports the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act that retains the current limits.

“At a time when we are seriously under investing in our nation’s infrastructure, allowing heavier trucks will only increase the costs to our transportation system,” said Kevin Bakewell, AAA sr. vice president, The Auto Club Group.  “Already one quarter of our nation’s bridges are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.  We cannot afford the added costs that heavier trucks will demand from our roads and bridges.”

In addition, the recently published 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash data show an 8.7 percent increase in the number of people killed in crashes involving large trucks from 2009.  Motorists continue to be overrepresented in large truck crashes. The majority of people killed in these crashes were occupants of other vehicles (nearly 76%)—not occupants of large trucks. 

“There remain many unanswered questions regarding the balance between productivity, safety and the impacts on infrastructure,” stated Bakewell. “Until research can fully address these issues, AAA remains opposed to any increase in the current truck size and weight.”

The AAA is urging its members and the public to contact members of the Georgia Congressional delegation and voice their opinions. For more information about large trucks, AAA suggests visiting http://www.aaapublicaffairs.com/ and clicking on Truck Safety in the On the Road section.

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America.  ACG and its affiliates provide membership, travel, insurance and financial services offerings to approximately 8.5 million members across 11 states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois, Minnesota and Tennessee; and a portion of Indiana.  ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with nearly 53 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety.

The 2012 Georgia Legislative Issues Survey was conducted by phone among registered voters in Georgia.  A total of 401 residents completed the survey.  The survey has a maximum margin of error of +/- 4.9 percentage points.  Quotas were placed on age and gender to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Georgia. 

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