Santa Barbara's Das Williams brings forward legislation to ban big trucks on Highway 154
Six months after a truck pulling tons of gravel lost its brakes on Highway 154 and smashed into a tiny house killing a family of three, local officials are looking to change state law to prevent a similar accident from happening again.
Das Williams, 35th District state Assemblyman, has introduced state legislation that would ban large trucks from traveling on Highway 154. AB 537 would not affect service deliveries to the Santa Ynez Valley.
“Highway 154 is a narrow, winding, two-lane mountain road that was not designed as a shortcut for large trucks,” said Santa Barbara City Councilman Das Williams. “This bill would appropriately restrict these large trucks from using Highway 154 and endangering local residents who use the road for local trips, all while protecting the demand to maintain local deliveries along that route.”
The bill is the latest piece of legislation introduced by Williams, who was elected in November. The former Santa Barbara City Councilman has also introduced two medical health bills, a bill to protect funding for local schools, and a package of public safety bills, co-sponsored by Jeff Gorell, 37th District state Assemblyman.
The truck bill is designed to keep large trucks from navigating the windy, narrow road.
Last year’s truck accident sparked discussion about the safety of the road and whether big rigs and other large trucks house be allowed on the path.
Motorists can also get to the Santa Ynez Valley by traveling on Highway 101, but that road can take about 15 minutes longer from Santa Barbara.
In response to last year’s accident, Santa Barbara County supervisors Doreen Farr and Janet Wolf formed the SBCAG Highway 154 Truck Safety Committee. Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson and Goleta City Councilmember Roger Aceves also sit on the committee.
The group has met with the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans to look at ways to improve truck safety on Highway 154. The CHP has already been working to increase enforcement in the area.
“As a resident of the Santa Ynez Valley, I drive Highway 154 on almost a daily basis and have witnessed too many incidents where large trucks cross the median line of the highway putting motorists at serious risk,” said Third District Supervisor Doreen Farr. “We are taking proactive steps locally, working with Caltrans and the CHP to improve safety on Highway 154, but Assembly member Williams’ legislation restricting trucks on Highway 154 is also necessary to protect the safety of local residents who must use Highway 154.”
In August, Joaquin Garcia Morales, 61, of Oxnard, was pulling a trailer full of gravel, when the truck he was driving lost its brakes about as it entered Santa Barbara from the highway.
The truck crashed through the bedroom of a home at the end of a driveway.
Supervisor Janet Wolf is also appreciative of Williams’ effort to help her on issue that her constituents have frequently mentioned.
“I have heard from many constituents who have expressed their concern with the number of large trucks on Highway 154 and the safety hazards they present,” Wolf said. “I am grateful for the increased enforcement by the CHP and this bill will help ensure the public is safe on Highway 154. I appreciate Assembly member Williams for being so responsive to our request that he carry this important legislation.”
In addition to the legislation, Caltrans and the CHP have installed “rumble strips” with reflectors on the road. The devices make a louder noise and alert drivers when they have crossed over into the median.
Caltrans also plans to install new on Highway 154, urging trucks to turn around and take Highway 101.
In addition, the CHP is working with GPS providers to clarify that 154 is not an appropriate shortcut for drivers going north on Highway 101.
0 comments:
Post a Comment