Escort Vehicles

Everyone now knows that "Flower Child" recently completed a road trip to the Upper MidWest of the United States of America. He has grown accustomed to traveling the Interstate Highway system in Georgia and the frequent wide loads that everyone meets. Here in Georgia we have a Warning Vehicle ahead of the Wide-Load with flashing lights and flags as well as a Chase Vehicle behind the Wide-Load with flashing lights and flags. It takes a total of at least three vehicles and three drivers to move a "W i d e L o a d" here in Georgia.

I am aware that the above image is an "Oversize Load," but I am sure you have seen the "Wide Load" Signs on vehicles as you also travel the Highways and Byways of Georgia.

As I traveled through Illinois on an Interstate Highway I frequently observed Eighteen Wheelers transporting "Wide Loads" and quickly noted that there were no Warning Vehicles or Chase Vehicles in the company of the Wide Load. I was impressed at this environmental friendly approach. No extra vehicles consuming fuel. I am also sure that there was an economy factor also. One Driver instead of three. The Eighteen Wheeler did have appropriate "Wide Load" signs both on the front and rear of the rig. Additionally appropriate red waving flags were appropriately mounted on the bumpers of the towing tractor and the hauling trailer. In view of the fact that a motorist operating a vehicle needs to have appropriate vision I immediately thought that this was an excellent system. Both from the cost aspect regarding the number of drivers and from the environmental aspect. Only one vehicle consuming fuel to move the "Wide Load."

May I suggest that our Georgia Law Makers consider the economy and environmental aspects of improving our "Wide Load" laws to be more friendly to the consumer and also to protect the environment.