Dallas- a mess

Discussion in 'Truckers' Weather & Road Conditions' started by teams567, Jan 31, 2023.

  1. Grouch

    Grouch Road Train Member

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    The state should have shut down those roads well ahead of the ice storm. I have always advocated that it is the responsibility of a state to make the highways safe for travel. Motorists pay to travel the highways, like a person who buys a ticket to attend an event, those putting on the event are responsible for those who attend. I know what the responses will be to my opinion, but you think about it. As a motorist, you actually purchase a 'ticket" to get on a road and the state is responsible for the safety on that road. If the road is not safe, it should be closed. If you purchase a ticket to enter a theater, then an accident happens because of the building was unsafe, where does the liability falls????

    You don't buy my argument??? Probably not! But it is my opinion. Why do you think airports are so quick to shut down? Airlines today recognize their liability and cancel flights. Why is a state so different??
     
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  3. teams567

    teams567 Medium Load Member

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    Heck yeah. There will be lawsuits against the State like you won't believe- those fatalities and even injuries. They will sue the State for negligence.

    Were there any signs put out? Did any of those traffic billboards say 'caution, ice...reduce speed'. We're police there with lights on as a warning?

    Probably not.

    So, they closed the roads.

    Given today's litigious society, Texas will have a mess of lawsuits. Last I heard the roads will be open at 6pm tonight.

    Now, what are the consequences of all that freight not moving into/out of Dallas for a week? Think about that.
     
  4. Grouch

    Grouch Road Train Member

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    The lost lives versus the lost freight, what is more important?? We are fast becoming like a 3rd world country, a human life means "squat". Then figure the lost of money when you add up the costs of damage to property.
     
  5. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    A singular entity, such as a state or city is responsible for the weather?
    Or warning people that liquids freeze at or near 32 degrees?

    A operator is the sole decision maker when it comes to the choice to continue under less than optimal conditions.

    My prediction not one lawsuit will be allowed in the court systems because of this well publicized cold front.
     
  6. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    Because a pilots/airlines decisions can affect hundreds and operated by for profit companies under federal oversite.

    Roads are paid for by federal funds and maintained by taxes.
    Have you seen or read about the multi vehicle accidents in the last couple of weeks?
    IN,WI,OK,WY.etc.
    These drivers got what they asked for.
    Do you think the respective states are responsible because you are traveling in their state?

    You can't fix ignorance.
    State not liable for stupidity.
     
  7. Grouch

    Grouch Road Train Member

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    Where do the "federal funds" come from? From motorists that use the roadways. Everytime a motorist pays a gallon of gas, the motorist pays for his use of the roadway, just as a theater goer purchases a ticket to go into the theater.
     
  8. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    Federal funds built the interstates.
    Highway trust fund.
    Federal and state excise taxes on fuel are used to maintain each states highways.

    What does this have to do with a states liability?
    The roadbed maintains it's safety despite weather conditions.

    Would you hold a state liable if the wipers on your vehicle couldn't keep up with the rainfall or if the headlights didn't illuminate far enough at night and you crashed?
    As a motor vehicle operator only you are responsible for it's safe operation.
     
  9. Grouch

    Grouch Road Train Member

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    Why do you think we have laws? Because people are stupid. Why have yearly inspections either by states or the Federal Gov. because of stupidity. Why speed limits, because of motorists who have no common sense.. Now, my personal vehicle or my truck is as safe as I can possibly make it. Nothing goes without my attention to it. BUT! Just because I maintain my vehicle does not mean the state maintains the roads I ride on. I could cite sections of 1-81 that are very unsafe, sections that you had better be holding on to the steering wheel when you hit these sections. When you compare the safety of a roadway and the safety of a vehicle, you are comparing apples to oranges.

    Allow me to discontinue this discussion because you are not going to change my view and I am not going to change yours. Have a good day and be safe out there.
     
  10. teams567

    teams567 Medium Load Member

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    Absolutely !

    That's why this morning you still see some sections of roadway closed in Dallas. It's a State liability given the fact that ice and snow are not common occurrences in Dallas.

    The State has to step in (which it did) to prevent the public from hurting themselves or hurting others. Imagine a loaded tractor trailer on one of those 70 ft high overpasses losing control, going over the edge and crashing down on other vehicles. Imagine the lawsuits. THATS why those roads have been closed.
     
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