In Luzerne County, there is a two-mile stretch of road so treacherous it’s earned the name Giant’s Despair.
Known locally as East Northampton Street, this winding hill is notorious for its sharp twists and turns. In just one three-year period, 43 motor vehicle accidents were reported along this stretch. Trucks have overturned, blocked the road for hours, and in some cases lost their brakes entirely - crashing into homes at the bottom of the hill. Most tragically, innocent lives have been lost because commercially licensed drivers chose to ignore clearly posted restrictions prohibiting vehicles over 10   tons.

Despite PennDOT’s efforts—including posting multiple warning signs, installing blinking lights, and even adding chimes to alert drivers when their vehicles are too heavy or too tall, violations continue. Trucks exceeding the 10  -ton weight limit remain a serious danger, resulting in deaths, injuries, and significant property damage.

To address this ongoing problem, I will be introducing legislation to increase penalties for commercial drivers who ignore posted traffic restrictions. Specifically, this legislation will create stronger consequences, including a lifetime disqualification from operating a motor or school vehicle after a third violation related to traffic-control device obedience. These signs exist for one reason: to protect infrastructure, property, and most importantly, human life.

This is not just a Luzerne County issue. Every community across the Commonwealth has a roadway, bridge, or underpass where some drivers decide the restrictions do not apply to them. It is time for serious consequences for these serious violations.

For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to join me in co-sponsoring this life-saving legislation.