Debunking myths? First of all, everyone involved in the trucking industry knows full well that U.S. Route 20 through Skaneateles is a federal highway and not subject to the proposed new legislation. Secondly, this public outcry did begin in Skaneateles, check your own media accounts.
Did Sen. Charles Schumer come to speak and join the outcry on the banks of Owasco Lake? Or did he go to the Colonial Lodge in Sempronious? No, he made his appearance in Skaneateles in an effort to assuage the most fervent voices with seemingly the deepest pockets.
Lastly, each of the trucks that travel these roads, pay more in a day in taxes and fees than most personal vehicles pay in a year. So it seems a little ironic that the trucks that pay to build and maintain these roads, won't be allowed to use them. If you really want to take the trucks off the rural roads, mandate that downstate trash shipping locales contractually insist the trucks use the interstates, and pay them for the additional mileage and tolls. The trash haulers do not have a financial incentive to use the Thruway, and like any other business, will do what they can to maximize profits.
Lastly, let's debunk the safety myth. How many accidents have there been involving a big truck in Skaneateles in the last 10 years? How many accidents have there been involving only passenger cars? I would submit that the truck drivers traveling these roads are much safer than those who are behind the wheel of a passenger car.
Gerald Kennedy
Auburn
Lastly, each of the trucks that travel these roads, pay more in a day in taxes and fees than most personal vehicles pay in a year. So it seems a little ironic that the trucks that pay to build and maintain these roads, won't be allowed to use them. If you really want to take the trucks off the rural roads, mandate that downstate trash shipping locales contractually insist the trucks use the interstates, and pay them for the additional mileage and tolls. The trash haulers do not have a financial incentive to use the Thruway, and like any other business, will do what they can to maximize profits.
Lastly, let's debunk the safety myth. How many accidents have there been involving a big truck in Skaneateles in the last 10 years? How many accidents have there been involving only passenger cars? I would submit that the truck drivers traveling these roads are much safer than those who are behind the wheel of a passenger car.
Gerald Kennedy
Auburn
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Post your comment - click hereThere are 4 comment(s)
Farmer's Gal wrote on Dec 4, 2008 1:36 PM:
Some roads are not designed for heavy truck traffic. The new laws will help keep heavy truck traffic off inappropriate roads.
I have lots to say about better ways to ship goods across the country (by rail) and use trucking only locally. I have lots to say about not bringing downstate garbage up here to foul our environment. But the bottom line is -- some roads are not made for heavy truck traffic and trucks are going to have to stay off those roads. Period. Dot. "
Unknown... wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:20 PM:
This law is being enacted to keep big trucks out of the small neighborhoods. I live in a good neighborhood, but unfortunately it's part of Rt. 38. Sometimes in the summer when I'm upstairs watching tv, some guy in a trash truck will approach the stop sign in front of my house with his jake brake, and I can't even hear my tv!!! Last year, a big truck was going down our street, and actually ran over 2 parked cars, demoloshing them. This same truck a couple of nights ago hit a dog, and just drove off. So yeah, there's other reasons for getting this in place. "
nature lover wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:06 PM:
http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/11/29/local_news/news01.txt
oy vay "
brew1234 wrote on Dec 4, 2008 2:17 AM: