Congressman Makes A Stand For Truckers

On May 11, 2011, Congressman Paul Tonko made a stand for truck drivers across the nation. Tonko is currently pressing Washington to acknowledge the problems faced by truck drivers needing to find a rest stop. The lack of truck parking along the nation’s highways has always been a problem for truckers, especially for those needing to pullover for the hours-of-service regulations. There are not always designated truck stops for truckers to use, and because of this truck drivers are forced to simply pull over where they can. 

 
Tonko is proposing the making of a new law called Jason’s law. The anticipated law is named after Jason Rivenburg, a trucker who lost his life because he had nowhere to safely rest in his truck. One morning in March 2009, Jason was on his way to make a delivery, but his destination was not open yet. Jason then pulled over at the only available spot, which happened to be a gas station. While waiting in his truck, Jason was robbed then shot and killed. The killers got away with all of Jason money, which totaled $7.

Jason left behind a loving wife and three children. During a press conference at the U.S. capitol Tonko expressed his outrage of the situation. "Jason Rivenburg lost his life for a mere $7 while delivering milk to South Carolina," he said. "This cannot happen again. Enough is enough." In reaction to Jason’s death, Tonko has filed a bill to create funds for building more truck stops along the highways. The bill would set up a $20 million annual U.S. Department of Transportation grant program for six years to assist states, local governments and private companies in creating more parking places and rest areas for truckers.

The actions taken by Congressman Paul Tonko have been fully supported by trucking agencies such as the ATA. “We applaud Rep. Tonko for again introducing this critical legislation, and hope Congress will act quickly to deliver for those who deliver America’s goods.” said Mary Phillips, ATA senior vice president of legislative affairs.

In order to see Jason’s Law succeed, Tonko hopes to attach it to the highway reauthorization bill. To learn more about Jason’s Law and the progress of Congressman Tonko, visit http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Tonko-pushes-Jason-s-Law-1376254.php.