Results of a recent poll conducted by Lake Research Partners reveal that 80 percent of Americans oppose increasing a truck driver's workweek from 70 to 82 hours and that 80 percent affirm they would feel less safe if Congress changed the law to do so. The results are broad, spanning all demographic, geographic and political groups.
Clearly, the truck crash this June that injured comedian Tracy Morgan, and the dangers of fatigued driving, resonate. Each year, on average, 4,000 people are killed and 100,000 more are hurt in large truck crashes. Truck driver fatigue has been recognized as a major safety concern and a contributing factor to fatal truck crashes for more than 70 years.
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., has sponsored an amendment to strike dangerous language permitting even longer workweeks for truck drivers and ensure that critical safety rules established to address the deadly problem of truck driver fatigue remain in place.
Our members of Congress should note the poll results and heed the wishes of their constituents by supporting the Booker amendment and rejecting any legislation permitting longer workweeks offered in the House. We all have too much to lose.
Nancy Meuleners, Bloomington
The writer, a truck crash survivor, is Minnesota volunteer coordinator for the Truck Safety Coalition.
MPLS. SCHOOL BOARD
Gagnon should have received endorsement
I am not shocked to see that the Star Tribune Editorial Board did not endorse Rebecca Gagnon for re-election to the at-large seat on the Minneapolis school board. They prefer candidates who have never spent time in our schools, such as Iris Altamirano ("Reform-minded picks for schools," Oct. 24). If you recall, the board also endorsed Josh Reimnitz in 2012 for the Fourth District seat, and he had been in Minneapolis only a short time. This seems to be a trend.
Gagnon has served our entire district. She never declines an invitation to meet with parents, students or communities, and she has a deep understanding of our district. Watch any school board meeting, and you will witness Rebecca asking thoughtful questions while other board members sit silent.
How will Iris Altamirano be able to make the strong change the Editorial Board suggests? Her inexperience is terrifying.