Resolution 2005-2, Supports Florida Coalition For Safe Highways.

The Florida Police Chiefs Association endorses the work of the Florida Coalition for Safe Highways to make roads safe in Florida and reduce the number of highway deaths by fighting against efforts of bigger truck proponents to increase truck lengths and weights

WHEREAS, the state of Florida contains important transportation highways and interstates and is heavily traveled by motorists and trucks.

WHEREAS, according to the US DOT, National Bridge Inventory, 2000 data shows 14% of Florida's bridges are considered to be "structurally deficient" or "functionally obsolete."

WHEREAS, the August 2000 U.S. Department of Transportation Comprehensive Size and Weight Study found that 1) Longer Combination Vehicles (LCVs)-long double and triple trailer trucks are at least 11% more likely to be involved in a fatal accident, 2) heavier single trailer trucks are more likely to experience dangerous rollover and braking problems, and 3) longer and heavier trucks would mean $319 billion in national budget costs, and

WHEREAS, according to the United States Department of Transportation, the damage caused by heavier trucks is not covered by taxes that trucking companies pay - a typical trailer truck pays only 70% of its federal highway costs; U.S. taxpayers make up the difference.

WHEREAS, a recent report by the United States Department of Transportation states that the department "does not favor change in federal truck size and weight policy." Western Uniformity Scenario Analysis, p. XI-3)

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the members of the Florida Police Chiefs Association support maintaining the current limits on truck size and weight and oppose any effort at any level of government to allow for bigger and heavier trucks on the Nation's roadways

PASSED AND ADOPTED THE 18TH DAY OF APRIL 2005 in Tallahassee, Florida, at a duly constituted meeting of the Board of Directors of the Florida Police Chiefs Association.