NO TRUCKS ALLOWED: Kentucky Ousts Truckers From Secondary Routes

Citing a rising number of accidents involving heavy duty commercial vehicles, officials in Kentucky want CDL holders to stay off roadways that are not necessarily designated truck routes.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and Kentucky State Police Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement are reportedly collaborating to prevent long-haul truckers from using highways they say do not support the size and weight of tractor-trailers.

“This is a recurring issue as drivers try to save on time and fuel,” KYTC District 1 Chief District Engineer Kyle Poat reportedly stated. “But our rural secondary roads were not built for regular through-travel by vehicles of such size and weight.”

Officials at the KYTC are attempting to close key rural route shortcuts truckers utilize in the Western part of the state. If these roadways are not officially designated as truck routes, state police are expected to pull truckers over.

According to state officials, Highway 286 in Ballard County has become a significant crash problem. Reports indicate there have been 116 accidents along the 16.6-mile stretch during the last three years. Of the collisions, 40 injuries and five fatalities have been reported. Only 30 accidents involved semis or a vehicle with an excessively long turn radius, as defined by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act. However, officials point out that about half of the most recent 24 accidents involved large commercial vehicles.

Truckers who routinely use this shortcut can anticipate seeing “NO TRUCK” signs posted and state troopers are expected to enforce the prohibition. By that same token, local farmers will be allowed to operate farm equipment and heavy duty commercial vehicles used in agriculture.

“The signs will help with enforcement efforts as additional cases come up in district court,” Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Mark Townsend reportedly said. “The legal responsibility falls on the CDL-carrying professional driver. The driver is required to follow a route that keeps the truck on the National Truck Network.”

Reports also indicate the prevalent use of cell phone GPS logistics results in truckers traveling shorter distances across this and other two-lane rural roads. Popular phone apps typically do not include unique features that assist tractor-trailer operators in distinguishing the fastest route from those that are truck-approved.

The KYTC has recommended that truckers in Western Kentucky consider the following GPS applications.