DENSON: Heavy trucks not good for Georgia taxpayers

Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Each day, more and more 18-wheeler trucks hit our Georgia highways and local residential streets. As a result, there has been an increase in fatal 18-wheeler accidents — up 15% from the previous year. Each day, lives are lost, property and roads are damaged, and taxpayers are left to shoulder the burden.

I will not concentrate on data. What I do want to share and bring to your attention are the issues that the Town of Toomsboro is experiencing, and have experienced, throughout the years. Commercial truck traffic and speeding have increased, each day. Large axle, heavy trucks traveling through the city are putting excessive wear and tear on the roads. This is a very heavy expense for a town our size and, really, for any size town or city. 

As I stated above, lives are lost and there have been an increase in the number of deaths in Georgia. Georgia ranks 4^th in the nation’s fatality rate involving commercial truck accidents. I’ve learned over the years that most of the time, if a certain number of deaths do not occur, there will be no change in laws. I believe one life lost should warrant a change.

The damage to our roads are very hazardous to the safety and wellbeing for the growth and development of the community. Added tax burdens on the local government and taxpayers are not the way to promote a healthy economy and life for the average citizen. Traveling on state highways or rural roads, I’ve had to go around large tires that have fallen off of heavy trucks. These tires cause accidents or traffic delays until they can be removed. If the weight the trucks are carrying now (84,000 lbs.) are causing this type of damage, just think what would happen with an increase of 90,000 lbs. 

The cost of materials and labor for road repairs are on the rise, but there is no increase in revenue for most cities. Especially in your rural cities and underpopulated areas. Toomsboro has a population of about 453 with an average income of $38,000.00 and a poverty rate of about 15.73%. Citizens must travel 30 minutes to an hour for basic services such as food, clothing, jobs, and health services. Those that are furthering their education on the post-secondary level in neighboring cities who choose not live on campus, may have a thirty-five-minute ride, or one to two hours depending which city and location.

 It is imperative that roads are safe for emergency service workers, police, fire, EMT, and ambulance services. They need to be able to travel safely to their prospective destination without running into a pothole, road cracks, traffic, speeding trucks, or any road hazard. 

Let me be clear, I am very appreciative of the services that are provided by the trucking industry. I want them to reach their designation safely and return home their families and loved ones, as well. Whatever the reason (s) for the proposed weight increase, road safety and lives should be at the top of the list — not last!

I invite each of you to come spend a day in the life of the citizens of Toomsboro.

Joyce Mitchell-Denson

Toomsboro Mayor