State Senator Dave Marsden has proposed a invoice that may require tractor-trailer drivers to remain in the best lane on highways throughout heavy snowfall.
VIRGINIA, USA — Every week after heavy snowfall created a multitude alongside I-95 and stranded some drivers for so long as 24 hours, a Virginia state senator has proposed a invoice he believes might assist forestall an analogous backup from taking place once more.
With the Common Meeting set to start a brand new session on Wednesday, Senator Dave Marsden (D-Fairfax County) will put ahead a invoice that may require tractor-trailers to drive in the best lane of highways when heavy snow is falling.
Marsden serves as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and stated he started work on the proposal after seeing the disastrous site visitors alongside I-95 final week.
“As quickly as I heard there have been quite a few tractor-trailer jackknifes, it occurred to me immediately that when precipitation is first coming down is the best alternative for slippage,” he stated on Tuesday. “The hazard with vans is that after they’re accelerating or decelerating or altering lanes or passing, that’s after they’re on the most threat.”
The nightmare alongside the interstate led to a site visitors backup of round 40 miles and stranded hundreds of drivers.
Sen. Marsden informed WUSA9 that no “excellent answer” exists to forestall an analogous backup throughout snow once more, however his proposal might assist result in fewer jackknifed tractor-trailers throughout winter storms.
“What I can do is provide up laws for debate that claims sooner or later, what can we do as lawmakers to offer a safer atmosphere?” he stated. “I believe it will reassure the general public that these of us within the legislature who set the foundations of the street are taking note of this.”
Marsden added {that a} $100 site visitors violation ticket could possibly be added to the proposal for drivers who do not observe the rule. Nevertheless, he believed different drivers might name the trucking firm to report poor driving.
Up to now, the senator stated he has obtained constructive suggestions in regards to the invoice however stated not less than one concern has been raised.
“If vans created a wall of vans within the right-hand lane it will be tough for passenger vehicles to get within the right-hand lane to make an exit,” Marsden stated.
Shifting ahead, he believed his proposal made logical sense to make roads safer throughout snowstorms.
“We’ve the foundations of turning your lights on and windshield wipers when it’s raining,” Marsden stated. “Why not proper lanes for vans?”
