Trucking firms responsible for dropped debris

Smaller vehicles and commercial tractor-trailers share our freeways, but it isn't always a peaceful existence. We know who is going to come out on the short end if something bad happens. We've all probably had the unpleasant experience of having a rock fly off the back of a tractor-trailer and into the windshield. It was a problem when convoys of trucks were hauling away dirt and rocks to make way for the Las Vegas Beltway and apparently it is continuing today.

This from Don: Got behind a dump truck this morning. A sign on the back states: "Stay back 200 feet. Not responsible for broken windshields." Is that a bunch of bull? I always thought that the truck driver or his company could be held responsible by debris if it drops on the roadway. And what's up with the 200 feet thing? No one drives 200 feet behind another vehicle, no matter the situation.

I have also seen these signs and thought the same thing: 200 feet is a very long distance to lag behind a vehicle. The short answer is, no, it isn't true that trucking companies are not responsible for broken windshields. Paul Enos, president of the Nevada Motor Transport Association, said trucking companies are responsible for anything that flies off the vehicles and causes damage.

"They can't have any of their cargo falling off their truck," Enos said. "If it's dirt, rock, gravel, it's not allowed to fall off the top of the truck."

If, however, the truck kicks up a rock or other debris from the roadway, the driver is not responsible.

As for the 200 feet, Enos wasn't sure where that distance came from and agreed that it is a rather unreasonable request. It's dangerous to travel too closely behind a truck or travel in the driver's blind spot, but you don't need to be in another ZIP code.

Along those same lines, Ray had this happen to him: I was traveling on southbound I-15 about 10 days ago when I found myself behind a Las Vegas Paving double truck. Suddenly a small stone or small rock came from the truck directly into my windshield and shattered it. Why should I have to pay for this?

I condensed Ray's question. He filled out a report and his claim was denied by a Las Vegas Paving attorney, he said. The truck, apparently, was hauling sand and couldn't possibly do the damage he claimed happened, the attorney said.

There is not much I can do to help Ray at this point, but this is what Enos said: If you are hit by debris, try to document as many details as you possibly can. Note the time and location as well as the truck's license plate or truck number. Take pictures if possible. Enos said to approach the trucking company first.

"Most companies are pretty good about working it out," he said.

If that doesn't work, file a report with the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Mark asks: I'm curious about the construction on St. Rose Parkway, east of South Eastern Avenue. It appears that a pedestrian overpass is being constructed across St. Rose Parkway, which is about eight lanes wide at that location, so that appears to be a major project, especially since it's just for a pedestrian overpass. I presume it will be quite expensive, and considering the number of homes in that area, it may not get a whole lot of use. Do you know the background or requirement for that overpass, what it is intended to connect, and the cost?

Henderson residents have made it clear in surveys that they value their community because of the extensive trail system, and city leaders have responded to that by extending it.

This bridge is part of the city's Amargosa Trail, which starts near Mission Drive just west of Horizon Ridge Parkway and links up with Clark County's maze of trails just west of Eastern Avenue. The trail is popular in part because it connects with a bunch of local and regional trails that run adjacent to neighborhoods. The pedestrian bridge you are referring to is a key link across St. Rose Parkway.

The cost of the project is $1.7 million. It is being funded by money from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act. Proceeds from the sale of public lands is designated for education and water issues as well as acquiring and protecting sensitive lands. This bridge is expected to be finished in September.

John and several other readers are curious: Whom can I call to complain about traffic signals that are out of sync?

The Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation does offer a hot line where motorists can complain. Call 432-5300 and you will actually have an opportunity to speak with a real human being, not just a message machine. Trust me, I just tried it. And these guys are very responsive. They send engineers to the site to see whether the lights have fallen out of sync or whether they are malfunctioning.

If you have a question, tip or tirade, call Adrienne Packer at (702) 387-2904, or send an e-mail to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com. Include your phone number.