Here’s the sequence of events reported by the TCA:

On July 9, while traveling on a Missouri highway, Patterson observed a vehicle that had flipped and was emitting smoke.

“I saw a car on fire and pulled over to make sure they were okay,” Patterson recounted.

Demonstrating quick thinking, Patterson halted his truck, disembarked, and shattered the car’s windshield to access those trapped inside. He discovered four young adults and assisted each of them to safety. Emergency personnel arrived swiftly after, allowing Patterson to continue his journey to prevent traffic obstruction. Reflecting on the incident, he credited his military background for his swift actions.

“I’m prior military,” remarked the Navy veteran. “It’s just kinda in me.”

Since its establishment in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angels program has celebrated nearly 1,400 truck drivers for their remarkable acts of heroism, kindness, and goodwill on the road. This recognition is supported by sponsors like EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, underscoring the inspiring deeds of truck drivers like Patterson.

Source: Truckers News

Image: TCA

The post Melton Truck Driver Honored for Brave Rescue Effort appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Route 66 in Wellston, Oklahoma, is going to be shut down in both directions starting this fall. This isn’t just for a few weeks—it’s expected to be closed until next fall. The reason? A $48 million project by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to widen the road and rebuild a bridge. The construction is happening between I-44 and the Turner Turnpike, near mile marker 158, between State Highway 102 and U.S. Highway 177.

What Does This Mean for You?

To keep traffic moving on the I-44/Turner Turnpike, they’re setting up a detour that’ll cross Route 66 in Wellston. Because of this, the highway will need to close where the detour is. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s necessary.

Local drivers will have their own detour, but it comes with size and weight limits. So, if you’re driving something big, you’ll need to find another route.

Here’s How to Get Around:

• Westbound I-44/Turnpike Traffic: If you’re heading toward Wellston, you can still take the westbound off-ramp and keep going on westbound Route 66. But you won’t be able to turn onto eastbound Route 66 from there.
• Eastbound Traffic to Wellston: Coming from the east? You’ll have to detour south on U.S. Highway 177, go west on U.S. Highway 62, and then head north on State Highway 102 to get back to eastbound Route 66.
• Eastbound from West Wellston: If you’re on the west side of Wellston and need to go east, you’ll detour south on State Highway 102, then head east on U.S. Highway 62, and finally go north on U.S. Highway 177 to get back on Route 66 or hop on the eastbound I-44/Turner Turnpike on-ramp.

What’s Coming After?

Once all the work is done, there’ll be two new bridges that can handle six lanes of traffic. Route 66 will also get sidewalks under the new bridges, getting ready for future expansion to four lanes.

Source: Land Line

The post Heads-Up: Route 66 in Wellston, Oklahoma, Closing for a Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) voices concerns over the potential repercussions of such legislation, emphasizing the adverse impact on truckers and the safety of road users.

“When I read this bill, one thing comes to my mind, and that’s arbitrary and capricious,” said Doug Morris, OOIDA director of state government affairs.

The OOIDA argues that while the intentions behind these measures may be well-meaning, they present significant challenges for truck drivers and could compromise overall safety.

Colorado is currently considering SB100, spearheaded by Sen. Dylan Roberts, which seeks to prohibit large commercial vehicles from utilizing the left lane on Interstate 70, except for passing slower vehicles. Advocates contend that these measures, including enforcement of truck speed limits, are vital for enhancing safety. However, Doug Morris of OOIDA disputes the necessity of such legislation, citing a lack of evidence linking truck presence in the left lane to increased accidents.

In Kentucky, SB107 aims to restrict trucks from the far-left lane on highways with three or more lanes, with exceptions for specific situations like entering or exiting the highway. Despite unanimous Senate support, concerns persist among professional drivers regarding enforcement challenges and potential safety implications.

Michigan’s HB5304 addresses left lane usage on freeways, clarifying that large trucks are prohibited from the far-left lane, aligning with existing statutes. While proponents argue for improved safety and traffic flow, the Michigan Department of Transportation acknowledges flaws in current laws but refrains from taking a stance on the bill.

Rep. William Bruck, R-Erie, said that the Michigan DOT can only make recommendations, emphasizing that this is the case with road signs that direct drivers to stay right unless to pass.

“This (bill) would clarify this so MDOT could actually restrict the heavy traffic to remain in the right two lanes,” Bruck said. “It’s a commonsense issue. There’s less safety when people are passing on the right. For the ease of travel, we would like to open up the left-most lane for that faster traffic and make it safer in the process.”

Meanwhile, similar initiatives are underway in other states like Florida, Iowa, and Oklahoma, where lawmakers are considering broader left lane regulations affecting all vehicles. These efforts aim to optimize traffic flow and enhance safety on highways, though concerns regarding enforcement and practical implementation remain prevalent.

Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, spoke on the real point of the bill.

“It simply provides that the left lane is for passing only, with some commonsense exceptions,” she said.

Rep. Mike Klimesh, R-Winneshiek, called attention to the work this bill would do to improve traffic flow.

“Basically, this bill is an effort to prevent left-lane camping on multi-lane highways and improve traffic flow,” he said.

Overall, the ongoing legislative efforts reflect a broader push to address left lane usage, with implications for both truckers and general motorists, as states seek to balance safety concerns with efficient traffic management.

Source: Land Line

The post Six States Reassess Left Lane Use in New Bill appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

House Bill 2750, spearheaded by State Representative Nicole Miller (R) and introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature on Feb. 6, gained crucial support from State Senator John Haste (R) and received the final approval of Governor Kevin Stitt in late April.

Under this new legislation, the authority is extended to Service Oklahoma, the state agency established last year to oversee driver licenses and motor vehicle services. This agency can now forge partnerships with third-party entities to administer the written segment of the CDL test. Moreover, it grants Service Oklahoma the discretion to conduct the CDL written examination at various public or private locations.

“The measure clarifies that local school districts, the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (DCTEA), institutions of higher education, or a private entity may hire or employ designated examiners for the Class A, B, or C driving skills portion and written portion of the test required for a driver license,” according to a summary of the legislation.

The added flexibility in third-party testing is anticipated to enhance the number of certified CDL examiners and expand the availability of locations where CDL tests can be taken. This innovation extends the reach of written tests beyond traditional avenues. It now encompasses public or private commercial truck driving schools, public transit agencies, government bodies at municipal, county, and state levels, school districts, institutions of higher education, and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (DCTEA).

A fiscal analysis before the legislation was passed noted “an anticipated minimal revenue increase from driver license collections and a minimal cost resulting from the installation of testing terminals at these approved third-party locations.”

Remarkably, implementing this new law does not necessitate an increase in state revenues to offset any potential cost escalations. It is a strategic measure aimed at addressing the truck driver shortage by simplifying the process of CDL testing, making it more accessible, and thus fostering the growth of qualified commercial drivers in Oklahoma.

Source: Transport Topics

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