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ATA now supports longer and/or heavier trucks

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If you believe that safety is not compromised by the larger mass and weight of longer and heavier trucks, then you apparently failed every Physics course you have ever taken. Dave [quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal Here's something to bandy about.... http://www.aset-safety.org/study/study.html "US DOT acknowledges that VMT and safety are tied closely together. In other words, a change from a 80,000 pound five-axle semitrailer to a 97,000 pound six-axle semitrailer would result in fewer accidents (approximately 11% fewer if the VMT model is maintained throughout the study). Heavier vehicles are not inherently more prone to instability or roll-over, rather payload distribution is the most critical factor in controlling rollovers. Driver operational characteristics such as travel speed around curves, the “tightness” of the curve, etc… are also important factors. Braking performance is admitted to not be particularly influenced by changes in vehicle sizes and weights, assuming that the required number of axles and brakes are added as the vehicles weight increases and the vehicle's brakes are well-maintained and functional. The requirement that antilock braking systems (ABS) be fitted to all new tractors and trailers is expected to enhance vehicle stability and control. Some incremental diminishments can be expected as truck weights are increased, but the greater concern in braking ability relates to longer combination vehicles." Meaning safety is not comprimised in shifting to higher GVW for trucks. [/quote]
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