November 27th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

On November 14, Chief Chuck Ternent hosted a truck safety meeting at the Cumberland Police Department. Attendees included Mayor Raymond Morris, Senator Michael McKay, Delegate Jason Buckle, and representatives from the State Highway Administration, Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Allegany County Sheriff’s Department, and Allegany County Department of Emergency Services.

The meeting focused on addressing concerns regarding interstate commercial vehicle traffic through the City of Cumberland. Local officials expressed shared concerns about the dangers posed by truck traffic entering the city from both the east and west, which can lead to crashes, fires, or breakdowns. These incidents, whether caused by irresponsible driving habits or equipment failures, have resulted in loss of life and significant disruptions to traffic flow throughout the area.

While the region's challenging topography complicates the search for solutions, the group brainstormed several possible initiatives to improve safety that included: reopening the truck weigh station on Big Savage Mountain, increasing commercial vehicle enforcement initiatives east and west of the city, installing updated signage systems, educating truck drivers about the area's unique hazards, exploring legislation to establish a new truck safety zone, among others. Officials are committed to pursuing new policies, programs, and technologies that could help alleviate the issues caused by commercial truck traffic. "Local leaders remain dedicated to addressing these challenges and will continue to host meetings and collaborate on solutions to ensure the safety of the Cumberland community."