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OOIDA truckers rally behind ‘Jason’s Law’ bills for safe truck parking

By Clarissa Kell-Holland, staff writer, LandLine
Posted May 8th 2009 4:24AM


When it comes to supporting “Jason’s Law” legislation for more safe and secure truck parking, truckers are banding together to support lawmakers’ efforts to address this issue.

Legislation has been introduced now in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate for funding for a pilot program to address the truck parking shortage along the National Highway System.

On April 28, Rep. Paul Tonko, D-NY, introduced his bill, HR2156, which now has nine co-sponsors. It has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. A week later, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, introduced a companion bill, S971. Schumer’s bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

OOIDA members have been busy pounding the phones to their lawmakers about the importance of supporting legislation for safe parking options for truckers since receiving a Call to Action a week ago. The same day, OOIDA President Jim Johnston sent a letter of support to Tonko, stating the Association looks “forward to helping you make ‘Jason’s Law’ the law of the land.”

Others in the trucking community are supporting lawmakers’ efforts as well. The American Trucking Associations issued a statement of support for the “Jason’s Law” bills, “demanding quick action in Congress.” Natso Inc., the national trade association that represents travel plazas and truck stop owners, has issued a statement as well.

“We want to offer our support to our members’ customers, Senator Schumer, Congressman Tonko and others to make sure drivers have access to and information about safe, legal truck parking,” said Christine Schoessler, Natso’s vice president of communications and marketing.

OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer said this legislation is badly needed to protect drivers, who struggle daily to find safe truck parking while out on the road.

“We can’t imagine anyone in their right mind objecting to this proposal,” Spencer told Land Line .

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