Assembly panel takes up really long big rigs

(AP) - Proponents of a Nevada bill say three trailers may be one too many when it comes to truck safety.

Members of the Assembly Transportation Committee on Tuesday heard AB188, which would bar semi-trucks from hauling three trailers and bring Nevada in line with 38 other states.

Bill supporters say triple trailers are so long that drivers have difficulty passing them, and the last trailer is vulnerable to flipping over. Some truckers also testified they were fearful of the wide turns required.

AB188 would still allow other long trailer configurations that proponents say are easier to maneuver.

Paul Enos of the Nevada Motor Transport Association argued the bill would raise costs in an already cutthroat trucking industry. He said accident rates are actually lower among triple-trailer trucks than other types.