"Slowhio"

The reality is, where two differing speeds of vehicles share the same road, you are increasing the risk of collisions.
I find it interesting that the news report indicated a rise in collisions on the highway that they raised the limit for trucks, but failed to mention that there was a sharp decline in the number of collisions on the secondary parallel roads. Thus overall there was a significant decrease in collisions when raising the speed.

 

EXACTLY, and whats everybodys big reason for being in such a big hurry all the time anyway, the difference in time between cleveland and cincinnatti would be less than 1/2 hour if you only do 58 mph compared to 65. Are you in a hurry to go to sleep, play video games at the truck stop? I look at Ohio as a place that I should not get run over for doing 57 mph and getting better mpg's, but everyday I do, freight haulers are tailgating me, passing me and cutting back in 20 feet infront of me only to hit one of the huge mountains we have here on I-71 and then I have to pass them only to have them blow my doors off going down the other side. Just slow down and you will see how much more relaxed you will be when you don't have to look behind every tree along the road to see if there is a bear hiding back there

 

My nephew is an O.S.H.P. officer. I brought this subject up to him at one of our many family gatherings. His quote was: "Most of us hate the split, too. It creates angry motorists on both sides of the spectrum. Not to mention, the trucks trying to 'make up some time', who are driving eratically because they don't wanna get caught in the left lane, presumably speeding around another. It makes for poor decisions in driving. And, these are the trucks that are targeted. It's as if they have something to hide. We gotta check that out. But, if you're cruising along at 5-10 over, without being a nuisance, you'll be fine. Just drive sensible! The exeption is, when you see a LOT (open to interpretation) of us out there, DO NOT SPEED! Let the cars be mad. You'll get through faster at 55 without being pulled over than at 65 with the inclusion of being pulled over/checked. Use common sense."
When I asked about the crash stats, and the claim that higher speeds on the turnpike have increased crashes:
"These are stats you will not be privvy to elsewhere. The crash stats do not reflect the fact that the turnpike truck traffic has increased by about 500% since the split was lifted. I don't recall the exact numbers, off hand. But, by comparison, there is just about the same reduction on rt 2/ rt 20/ rt 30/ etc.... Factor in all these parameters, then add the significant increase in truck traffic, overall, in recent years. Ofcourse, there will be more truck crashes. Stick 500% more cars on that highway. Same results. I can't imagine, if all those trucks would stay on the turnpike, and we slowed them back down to 55, what the numbers would look like. And, to touch on what you elude to, no! We aren't 'out to get the trucker'. We are out to protect EVERY motorist on the road. If there are a swarm of us, we are following orders. Treat us respectfully, without all the butt kissing, and you'll be better off. We are just men, trying to earn a living, like you. If you messed up, you got it coming. Accept it, and expect it."
Anyway, this conversation went on for a good bit. Some things were trivial, some others were very insightful to me. Most, I promised to not speak of publicly. Maybe, if this little tidbit doesn't haunt me, I will share more in the future. Just be sensible, my fellow truckers! In any/all staes you operate in. And, accept the fact that, yes, the person in the four-wheeler is "ignorant"! And, expect him/her to cut you off/slam on the brakes/ad infinitum/ad nausium! YOU are the professional! If you are not, McDonalds has a nice, low stress career opportunity for you. And, they have a branch on every corner of the country. Good luck. And, I'll pass on the apple pie, today.
And, so goes my little rant. Now, where's my fire suit?

 

Very nice piece of info. It all goes to the fact that when they are out in force, behave... I have always said "speed responsibly!" in Ohio... Or in any other state for that fact.

 

This is an editorial in the Columbus Ohio Dispatch putting down the proposal to go from 55 to 65 for trucks.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/conten...5mph.ART_ART_02-09-09_A8_6DCQIRE.html?sid=101