Here are five things worth knowing today: 1. An infamous bridge in Durham, NC, claimed its 102nd victim last week, according to RT Question More. The 11-foot-8 bridge, which is about two feet lower than the average bridge, scalped the roof of a heavy-goods truck on Jan. 7. Though large warning signs have been posted several blocks leading up to the train track bridge, the bridge poses a “huge obstacle for inexperienced or oblivious truck drivers,” according to the report.2. A Ryder technician and truck driver for Fabri-kal Corporation is calling on drivers to show more respect to truck drivers in order to improve highway safety, according to a Greenville Online op-ed. The writer cited recent studies show that in wrecks involving semis and cars, 81% are the fault of the four-wheeler. He states common sense actions could make a huge difference to trucks and suggests young drivers be made aware of some of the unique requirements truck drivers face when obtaining their regular driver’s licenses.3. The Arkansas Trucking Association is calling for an increase in the state’s gasoline and diesel tax for needed improvements and maintenance of the state’s highways and bridges, the Times Record reports. According to the report, the state currently pays 21.5 cents in tax on a gallon of gasoline and 22.5 cents for diesel. The association is asking for a 5-cent increase on the state’s portion of the gas tax. The Record has more.4. Members of various community and industry groups in Alabama have joined to form the Alliance for Alabama’s infrastructure, a coalition to promote investment in the state’s roads and infrastructure, according to the Birmingham Business Journal. The group will address how to handle Alabama’s growth and the need for safe and sufficient roads and bridges.5. Red Simpson, a leading trucker country singer, passed away on Jan. 8, the Country Standard Time reports. He was 81. According to the report, Simpson had several truck driving songs reached the charts and was a successful song writer with Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Singer Bill Woods, who inspired Simpson, asked him to write truck-driving songs. The Standard Time has more on Simpson’s legacy.
