OOIDA Call to Action - Colorado members
January 30, 2009

Attention: Colorado truckers! Take time now to contact members of the Colorado Senate Transportation Committee.

The committee could take up consideration of a bill as early as Tuesday, Feb. 3, that has sparked considerable debate about safety while traveling roads in the state. The bill – HB1042 – would make impeding the flow of five or more vehicles following immediately behind a mandatory offense. Violators would face $50 fines, and three points would be added to the offender’s license.

The Colorado House already approved HB1042, which would require slow-moving vehicles – cars, trucks or RVs – to drive in the right-hand lane or pull off the road and let the trailing vehicles pass. Pulling off the road would be mandatory only where it can be accomplished safely and lawfully.

The bill does exempt commercial vehicles from pulling off if there is fewer than 12 feet of shoulder alongside the road.

You can read the entire bill here.

While we sympathize with lawmakers about RVs that obstruct traffic, we have concerns about any law that would require trucks to pull over on a grade or in a situation where starting up again would be a problem.

Please share your thoughts with members of the committee. This legislation could be considered as early as Tuesday afternoon, Feb 3.

Each member’s contact information is listed below.

Sen. Dan Gibbs, chairman
Phone: 303-866-4873
E-mail: dan.gibbs.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Suzanne Williams, vice chairwoman
Phone: 303-866-3432
E-mail: suzanne.williams.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Mike Kopp
Phone: 303-866-2638
E-mail: mike.kopp.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Scott Renfroe
Phone: (303) 866-4451
E-mail: scott.renfroe.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Chris Romer
Phone: 303-866-4852
E-mail: chris.romer.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Nancy Spence
Phone: 303-866-4883
E-mail: nancyspence@qwest.net

Sen. Jennifer Veiga
Phone: 303-866-4861
E-mail: jennifer.veiga.senate@state.co.us