Sen. Schumer Calls For National GPS Standards Following Uptick In Trucks Hitting Bridges
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Sen. Charles Schumer has called for national standards for GPS devices in response to a growing problem of trucks striking low bridge underpasses.
At a news conference near exit 18 on the Southern State Parkway on Long Island, the New York Democrat said the devices do not recognize whether they're being used in a car or a truck. Trucks are not allowed on parkways.
WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reports
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"This overpass here on Eagle Avenue has been hit by trucks 27 times," Schumer told reporters. "Over 200 crashes of trucks into these overpasses on highways on which they don't belong occur each year since 2005. In 2000 alone, 43 bridges have been hit on Long Island."
1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports
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The senator said the usually helpful navigation devices must be reliable for all drivers.
"Who would believe that this thing could be dangerous? But it is," said Schumer.
Increasingly, Schumer said, trucks have been directed onto roads where they are not allowed by the devices. The problem can be corrected by programming GPS devices for trucks only, Schumer said.
"Most of our trucks come from out-of-state. It needs to be done at a federal level and that will solve the problem," said Schumer.
Schumer said that in the future, federally standardized GPS devices should tell truckers to stay off parkways.
Have you noticed an increase in trucks illegally driving on parkways? Do you support Sen. Schumer's call for national standards? Share your thoughts below...
