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Updated: 10:47 PM Mar 18, 2010
Push to Target Aggressive Drivers Along Corridor G and Route 52
A federal grant will soon help keep two of the more dangerous highways in West Virginia a little safer.
Posted: 1:39 PM Mar 18, 2010Reporter: Anna Baxter; Tim Irr Email Address: anna.baxter@wsaz.com; tim.irr@wsaz.com |
(WSAZ Photo / Ryan Lake)
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5 Comments 
UPDATE @ 6PM
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Warmer weather always means more cars and trucks on the road. Just in time for spring, expect to see a much larger police presence on two main roads.
Five years ago, there were 65 people killed on West Virginia Roads. Last year that number was cut in half. Still, that's 32 lives lost.
Thursday, leaders of the state of West Virginia were happy to announce additional federal funding to step up traffic enforcement of all vehicles, large and small, along two of the most deadly roads -- Corridor G and Route 52.
The West Virginia Public Service Commission is responsible for monitoring weight and other specifications on tractor trailers. Gary Ebgell, PSC Director of Transportation and Enforcement, says when a truck is involved in an accident there is an increased risk of serious injury and death.
“The more trucks, the more traffic, the more likely there will be an accident,” Ebgell said. He said he believes it’s unfair to simply blame it on truckers.
Thursday afternoon in Charleston, state officials celebrated the announcement that a federal grant would increase enforcement along two roads, Corridor G (Route 119) and Route 52.
They say they want to remind other drivers of their responsibility to share the road with everyone, including trucks.
“There are blind spots on these commercial vehicles,” Ebgell said. “There are signs on the backs of these vehicles warning motorists of these blind spots. Be cautious and be cognizant of that.”
Tractor trailer drivers have always been aware that random inspections are just that -- random. They might not be checked for a year or more, but then they'll have two in a week.
Clarence Jenkins is a professional truck driver who understands the need for what some might see as a hassle. “It’s very important that we have our equipment safe when we’re out there on the highway,” Jenkins said. “These are big rigs. It takes a lot of room to stop them, and we want to make sure they’re safe going up and down the highway.”
ORIGINAL STORY
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A federal grant will soon help keep two of the most dangerous highways in West Virginia a little safer.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) announced Thursday it just received a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to fund overtime pay for the Commission's Enforcement Officers. This will allow officers to increase enforcement and target aggressive drivers on U.S. Route 119 and Route 52 in Southern West Virginia.
The goal is to reduce the number of crashes along these highways.
Latest Comments
how about a federal grant to make 52 4 lanes
Let me see if I've got this one right... More federal taxpayer money to give welfare to a program to enforce drivers on the roads; and then on top of that the drivers are fined again. Only in America- papers please
this is needed everywhere in WV. I have ran into people with bad road rage, in a hurry, not paying attention. Corrider G is really bad because of the shopping centers. People, those shopping places are not going to run away anytime soon, so, put down those phones, and drive like you have some sense!
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