For the first time in two decades Congress will be voting on a bill that could increase in the maximum size of big rig trucks. Tom Cook has been a truck driver for 32-years; he's based in New Mexico but delivers to Fresno on a weekly basis. He's against any bill that would increase the size of big rigs.
“More weight, bigger problems, insurance rates will go up, more cargo insurance,” said Cook.
Cook says the more weight a big rig has, the harder it is for it to stop, along with other issues when adding almost 20,000 more pounds to a truck, which is what the bill states. The California Highway Patrol is also concerned.
“There's a greater concern for safety when you put bigger vehicles on the road,” said Sean Duncan, CHP.
But one driver we talked to doesn't seem to mind and says having bigger rigs will create more money.
“It's just another way to make money and I don't see any reason why anyone would be opposed to it. It doesn't make any sense,” said Tina Davis, Fresno Resident.
But there are people against the bill that feel strongly about it and they're lobbying in Washington. Jackie Parks with the Fresno Police Officers Association is working to stop the bill in its tracks.
“We're definitely concerned about braking distance as well as the swaying of trailers,” said Parks.
Cook says California drivers are worse than any other drivers when it comes to showing courtesy to big rigs, he says driving a bigger truck would be too dangerous for everyone on the roads.
"I wouldn't haul more weight, no way! It just causes more problems,” said Cook.
The Bill will go in front of Congress Thursday February 2nd.
