|
*** SAMPLE LETTER *** SAMPLE LETTER *** SAMPLE LETTER *** The Honorable XXXXXXXXXX Dear Congressman XXXXXXXXXXX: A Dear Colleague letter dated August 9, 2001 requested that you cosponsor the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act (SHIPA). On behalf of (YOUR COMPANY), we hope you will resist any temptation to do so. As you know, recent studies have shown a sharp increase in the number of vehicle miles traveled by large trucks in the past decade due to our growing economy, an increase in just-in-time delivery, and the railroads' troubled mergers. In fact, nearly 80% of all freight movement today is done utilizing large trucks. This trend is predicted to continue, with the Department of Transportation now estimating that freight moved by the year 2020 will increase by 87% over current levels. The freeze put in place several years ago has curtailed productivity for both shippers and motor carriers at the very time when we have needed it most. This proposed legislation, while well intended, would exacerbate this already growing problem. If the freeze is continued, let alone extended to the National Highway System, our highways will become more congested, pollution will rise, and motor carriers will have a greater dependence on oil and gas, all while contributing to the huge driver shortage companies now face. Most alarming though would be the effect on truck and passenger car safety. By forcing more large trucks onto the road, you are increasing the chance for accidents between automobiles and trucks. It is well documented that the longer or more frequent a truck or car is on the road, the greater the chance of an accident. The Department of Transportation indicated just this fact when it stated, "All things being equal, increases or decreases in the exposure to crash risk proportionally increases or decreases the likelihood of a crash. Thus, changes in the number of truck trips made to haul the same amount of freight, could alter the likelihood of crashes." Over the years, States have changed their laws to reflect the evolving needs of their economies, the nature and condition of their highway systems, and shifts in centers of population and economic activity. However, this proposal would prevent States from effectively responding to constantly changing conditions. It is also evident that States would prefer to have this additional flexibility. Several Governors have expressed concerns about the problems that current Federal restrictions on truck size and weight have caused as their States attempt to improve the safety and efficiency of their highways. Perhaps the biggest misconception regarding trucks is that they are somehow inherently dangerous. The fact remains that a truck equipped with proper axles, brakes, and operated by a qualified driver has the lowest crash-rate for any vehicle (2.16 per million miles). This compares to 5.53 for cars and 4.33 for light trucks. In addition, 71% of all accidents involving a truck and passenger vehicle have been found to be completely the passenger vehicle's fault. The reality is that today's truck drivers are safer than any other drivers ? passenger or commercial ? in our nation's history. Lastly, it is important to recognize the safety concerns (YOUR COMPANY) has with this proposal. Our vehicles travel the National Highway System all the time due to their efficiency and safety. The last thing we want is to force our trucks to move more frequently along secondary, State roads. There is no question that the majority of accidents occur on these roads and it is our wish to travel on the safer, federal highways as much as possible. I refer you once again to the Department of Transportation's findings that, "Truck travel, as well as all vehicle travel, on lower standard roads… significantly increases crash risks compared to travel on Interstate and other high quality roadways. The majority of fatal crashes involving trucks occur on highways with lower standards." This should be enough in and of itself to stop any legislation that would push trucks off of the National Highway System and onto these more dangerous roadways. We should all strive to make our highways safer, less-congested, and more efficient but unfortunately this proposal will only make matters worse. It is our hope you will oppose this misguided effort and work with both motor carriers and shippers to find ways that we can improve productivity and safety on our highways. We welcome your thoughts and questions regarding this issue. Thank you. Sincerely, XXXXXXXXXX |