The United States Congress is considering legislation that would change rules regarding the weight and length of semi-trucks operating on federal roads in Massachusetts and across the country. Proponents of this bill suggest that this will be beneficial for economic progress.

However, not everyone is convinced that proposed changes to semi-truck regulations are a good idea. Many question the safety of allowing larger trucks on highways, because increasing truck sizes have been connected to an increase in severe truck accidents. Critics of this proposal are pushing for further investigation into the effects of the proposed changes.

At one point, suggested changes pushed the semi-truck weight limit up to 97,000 pounds. That is a dramatic increase from the current 80,000 pound maximum. Over the last fifty years, regulations have been loosened, allowing semi-truck trailers to increase by nearly 20 feet in length, in addition to increased weight limits.

Already many trucks on the roads aren't completely full, so increasing the size of the trailers only causes drivers to use more fuel and instigate traffic issues. One trucking company owner indicated that many of the accidents that occur in poor driving conditions are due to the large trailers semi-trucks are hauling.

Not only do critics fear that these new regulations will lead to unmitigated safety hazards, but will also destroy the roads. Many wonder how the damage, caused by heavier trucks, will be funded. Furthermore, unrepaired roads could present a danger of their own.

Many fear that bigger, heavier semi-trucks will prove to decrease the safety of all drivers on the roads. Not only is there a concern that the frequency of accidents will rise, but there could also be an increase in the severity of accidents. Heavier trucks mean that an impact carries more force, which is not a good thing for other motorists.

The top priority for transportation officials should be the safety of all drivers on the road. Some truck drivers don't even support this legislation due to the potential safety risks. When considering transportation policy changes it is vital that leaders look at all of the possible effects of changes, and not just the economic impact.

Source: KY3, "Debate over size of semi-trucks raises issues of safety, productivity, highway maintenance," Linda Russell, Feb. 8, 2012