Re: 95 & 8 + ID Traffic

[Don Coombs <dcoombs@uidaho.edu>]

Hi Ken!

I have no problem with your general comments on trucking, only with your
conclusion that truckers "committed" more than their share of accidents,
based on the numbers you cited. My guess would be that the average
professional trucker is a better driver than the average amateur driver,
but that the size of their equipment and the pressure to meet schedules
balances out that advantage.

I also have no problem with people advocating more public transportation
and fewer huge SUVs on the road. Although there is an advantage to big
SUVs and full-size pickups which seldom gets mentioned: Sitting up high
you can actually see the rivers you drive along in Idaho, not just the
concrete barriers strung along the highway in, I guess, the interest of
safety.

And I can't help but note that campaign finance reform could do something
about the undue influence of groups like the trucking industry. Of course
politicians on all levels will pay more attention to the trucking industry
than they do to you and me -- unless you are able to contribute
considerably more money than I am.

Warm regards, Don Coombs