Story Archive

Warning — Obliviot At Wheel

The city of Worcester, Mass., is tired of trucks hitting bridges over roadways, despite numerous and clear signs stating the clearance of each bridge. One particular bridge was hit 20 times in nine months, despite seven signs warning about its height. The fine for hitting a bridge per state vehicle codes is only $40; the city is petitioning the state to increase the fine — to $5,000, plus the cost of the resulting emergency response. The police department is doubtful it will help, since they think the primary cause is out-of-town truckers who “put too much trust” in their GPS navigation systems, rather than looking at the clear signs and thinking about whether their trucks are too tall to fit. (RC/Worcester Telegram & Gazette) ...If the resulting embarrassment for “professional” drivers isn’t enough to stop it, a $5,000 fine won’t be enough either. But it will be more satisfying for the city.