Feeling Secure

BUCKINGHAM, Pa. – Prompted by recent changes in decades-old transportation laws and a rash of area drivers asking what they need to do to be in compliance with the law, the Buckingham Township Police Department and members of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation motor carrier enforcement division joined forces Tuesday night hoping to educate drivers.

Twelve local truck drivers, some who haul trees, others farm equipment, stone or construction waste, attended the seminar at the township building. They discussed weight limits, tie downs and commercial driver's licenses.

And they learned that, whatever they may be hauling, the load has to be better secured than ever before.

Landscape contractors that once hauled their walk-behind mowers on a trailer without much concern, found out the mower must be tied down with chains and binders. Even if the mower is an enclosed trailer, it must be secured, says Arnie Mack, with PennDOT's enforcement division.

"There can't be any forward, rear, lateral or vertical movement," his partner, Jeff Swartz says.

If anyone is uncertain of what the requirements are, Swartz says, "Ask yourself, is it going to stay put when you slam on your brakes?"

Randy DeGroot, who works for Feeney's Wholesale Nursery in Buckingham, asked about securing the trees he hauls.

The law seemed a little vague on trees, but Buckingham police Officer Tim Phillips says, in general, "better to be safer than sorry. Throw an extra strap on."

For the record, Mack says, there is no tarp law in Pennsylvania, with the exception of garbage trucks.

For more information on federal laws governing truck traffic visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov or www.cvsa.org for information on commercial vehicle safety