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Hazard an the Highway

Click to see original imageSeveral months ago a Utah County motorist had his windshield broken when it was hit by rocks which bounced off a gravel truck when that vehicle hit a bump in the road in the Pleasant Grove area. Last week the same man had the windshield and one headlight of his brand new truck taken out in a similar incident between American Fork and Pleasant Grove. These experiences aren’t unique with the Utah County motorist, by any means. Many people can relate similar incidents. One public official reported he’d had windshields in two vehicles replaced from damage by flying rocks on the highway. An Orem motorists windshield was pack-marked by a bouncing rock and when the weather turned cold the glass cracked. He had to get a new windshield so the vehicle would pass inspection. Because of the age of the car he had a most difficult and expensive task in finding a replacement. A Utah visitor was headed for Orem near the Point of the Mountain when a lumber truck passed him on the freeway. A two-by-four fell off the truck and smashed the side mirror of the visitor’s car. It could have broken the windshield or window causing injury or other tragedy. The highway patrol reported a case in which a steel pipe slid from a truck and penetrated an automobile’s windshield. These are examples of a type of mishap that is all too common and generally results from someone’s negligence. There ought to be a law, you say? There ARE laws – local and state. The highway patrol reports that tickets frequently are given for violations – ut maiybe a massive crackdown is nee ed. With the number of windshields ruined in the ways described above, it seems likely insurance rates for replacement are being pushed upward. Provo City has an ordinance prohibiting the spilling of any load, contents or litter from trucks or other vehicles on city streets or public places. Violation constitutes a misdemeanor or punishable by fine up to $299 and/or up to six months in jail. State law (Utah Code Annotated, 27-12-146) requires that vehicles be constructed or loaded to prevent the contents from dropping, sifting, leakinlg, or otherwise escaping; and t at no person shall operate on any public highway any vehicle with any load “unless said load and any covering thereon is suitable fastened, secured, and confined…” The laws specifically mention materials that are injurious or destructive. They require compliance by the vehic e owners, loaders, and drivers. The problem of gravel or sand slipping from an open truck and bouncing down the highway seems especially common. Small rocks have been known to strike oncoming cars with a destructive force that could cause injury or death as well as severe damage. It is time that those responsible adhere to the letter of the law in securing cargo; in covering loads of materials that might escape over the top of a vehic e; in keeping the tailgate closed under circumstances that require this; and in generally following safety precautions. Motorists also need to drive “defensively” insofar as possible, and avoid potentially-troublesome situations. We encourage a public education drive – but more than that, a tough stance by law enforcement officers and the courts. The problem cited here is dangerous – a hazard that need to be eliminated for safety and the public good. Legislator Cites Deun Leadership miner Herald: l would like to urge the voters of Senatorial District No. it to re-elect Sen. Ernest H. Dean to the Utah Senate. Senator Dean’s legislative leadership service, particularly in behalf of the mu-itally retarded, the disabled. and the handicapped citizens of the State of Utah, is unparalleled. As founder of the Mental Retardation: Association of America, Senator Dean’s efforts to provide constructive opportunities for disabled citizens to potentially become productive citizens has brought national recognition to himself and the State of Utah. Senator Dean distinguished himself nr the only legislator to have served as both Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate, Reelection of Senator Dean will be for the best interst of the citizens of Utah County and the State of Utah. Respectfully submitted. Rep. John E. Smith State Legislator Gr-antsville