TRENTON, N.J. – Semi-trucks striking overpasses, big rigs breaking local bridges, and a tractor trailer famously getting stuck on the Atlantic City boardwalk are just a few of the mishaps that could have been avoided had the commercial vehicles been equipped with proper GPS.
“Accounting for low vertical clearances and weight restrictions is so important when calculating a safe driving route for large commercial trucks,” said Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio (R-Warren). “Going off course has proven very costly for not just the truck driver, but also municipalities who have to try to alleviate unexpected traffic jams and repair roadways. My bill prevents these types of accidents by equipping truck drivers with the right technology.”
On Thursday, the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee cleared DiMaio’s bill (A975) requiring commercial vehicles driving on public New Jersey highways to have a GPS navigation program that can map routes capable of handling their vehicle’s specifications.
“New Jersey’s geographic location and proximity to cities and ports exposes the state’s roadways to a lot of commercial traffic. By ensuring safer routes for truck drivers, all New Jersey drivers benefit from safer roads,” DiMaio said.