Bipartisan Truck Safety Legislation To Be Introduced In Congress
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WHAT: NEWS CONFERENCE Families of truck crash victims and truck crash survivors to join with Members of Congress to announce the introduction of the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act (SHIPA). The Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) will release a new poll showing overwhelming support for truck weight and size limitations, and revising the federal rule on driving hours for truck drivers. A report ranking the states on truck crash fatalities, including the top 10 worst states, will also be released.
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WHEN: |
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 11 a.m. EDT |
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WHERE: |
406 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC |
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WHO: |
U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), U.S. Representative James McGovern (D-MA), the Honorable James Oberstar (D-MN), former chair, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee |
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Joan Claybrook , Chair, Board of Directors, Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways
James P. Hoffa , General President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Tami Trakh Friedrich ( Corona, CA) Her sister Kris, brother-in-law Alan, niece Brandy, and nephew Anthony were killed in a crash involving an overturned gasoline tanker truck. Tami is a Board member for Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways and is the TSC California volunteer coordinator.
Police Officer Robert Mills (Arlington, TX), Fort Worth Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
Jackie Novak (Hendersonville, NC ) Her son Chuck and his girlfriend Theresa Seaver, died in a crash in October 2010 when a speeding tractor-trailer crashed into a line of cars stopped on Interstate 26. The truck did not slow or brake and there were no skid marks on the road. The driver was charged with five counts of involuntary manslaughter, falsifying records and having an improper medical certificate. The trucking company had been cited 12 times for violations.
Cindy Whitaker ( Ringgold, GA) She lost her husband, James Eugene Whitaker, brother-in-law Anthony Hixon, and niece Amber Hixon on September 18, 2009 when a bucket truck crossed the center line and hit the Dodge Ram in which the three were traveling.
Linda Wilburn (Weatherford, OK) Her son Orbie was driving home from college in September 2002 when he had to stop behind a stalled vehicle. A semi-trailer truck going 75 mph crashed into the back of his car knocking it into the rear of another truck. Orbie's car exploded killing him instantly. No apparent attempt to slow down or stop was made by the truck driver who had repeatedly falsified logs and violated safety procedures. Linda is a Board member of Parents Against Tired Truckers.
In addition, truck crash victims and truck crash survivors from the following states will be available for interview: FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, NC, NY, OH, OK, TN, TX, VA, VT and DC.
ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT including the poll results, state fatality facts, fact sheet on the legislation, press release and more will be posted at http://Truck Safety by 10 a.m. on May 3.
BACKGROUND: The Truck Safety Coalition is a partnership between Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH) and Parents Against Tired Truckers (P.A.T.T.) dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by truck-related crashes, providing compassionate support to truck crash survivors and families of truck crash victims, and educating the public, policymakers and media about truck safety issues.
TSC's Sorrow to Strength conference brings together survivors of truck crashes for four days of remembrance, workshops and meeting with Members of Congress and U.S. DOT officials to advance truck safety.
