Truckers will soon be forced out of the left lane on most major highways in North Texas.
A pilot program that restricts big rigs from the left-hand lanes on portions of Interstate 30 in Tarrant County and Interstate 20 in Dallas County is about to be expanded.
"We had dramatic reductions in crashes in those sections where the restrictions were in place," said Rachel Wiggens, of the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
She said the program reduced crashes by 20 percent, increased traffic flow and improved air quality.
Drivers seemed to welcome the expansion of the program.
"A lot of 18-wheelers are out blocking traffic when they should be in the right lane," Dallas commuter Steve Novotny said.
The lane restrictions should be in place by May on all of Interstate 20, Interstate 30 and Interstate 45 south of Dallas. Drivers can expect truckers to be barred from the left lane of Interstate 35 and Central Expressway after major construction projects are completed.
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"I know I really dislike trucks in the left lane," driver Pat McCann said. "It's scary driving a small car on those busy highways."
According to the Texas Motor Transport Association, 75 percent of truck-car related crashes are caused by car drivers. The association supports the expansion of restricting truckers from driving in the left hand lane, but also says education of drivers is key to keeping the highways safe.
