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Speeding Semi Overturns on Curve

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This latest accident underscores the fact that tight curves and large trucks can be a dangerous combination – even if the truck can theoretically make the turn under ideal conditions.  This is an important to learn as we consider the efforts by Caltrans to open up our region to even bigger trucks, while exempting road-straightening projects from their own safety design standards.  From the Times-Standard:

“The northbound U.S. Highway 101 exit onto eastbound State Route 299 in Arcata was closed most of Wednesday after a semi-trailer truck loaded with empty beer bottles tipped over on the road just before 10 a.m….

The California Highway Patrol investigated the crash. CHP Sgt. Martin Abshire said initial reports indicate that the driver entered the turn at an unsafe speed.

“I’m not sure what the exact speed will be clocked at in the report, but we have witnesses at the scene saying he was going somewhere in the 40 to 45 mile per hour range, clearly an unsafe speed for that turn,” Abshire said….”

Read the full article.

State Senators Visit Humboldt Port

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Instead of widening and straightening our roads for oversized trucks, investing in responsible marine transportation could be an economically and environmentally superior way to move freight in and out of the North Coast.  From the Times-Standard:

“State Sen. Mike McGuire underlined the importance of Humboldt Bay to the local economy on Friday, as he shared some of Humboldt County’s marine-based economy with legislative leaders on the issue of the state’s ports….

Humboldt Bay Harbor Commissioners Richard Marks and Mike Wilson said they were grateful for the opportunity to meet face-to-face with legislators that have sway in the area of ports….With the expansion of the oyster industry — the only exporter of oyster spat (baby oysters) — and the repurposing of the pulp mill in Samoa, Marks underlined the bay’s importance.

“We are the economic driver of Humboldt County,” he said.

Wilson said Humboldt Bay embodies more than just diversification.

“It’s about sustainability,” he said….”

Read the full article.