For two consecutive weeks in later July semi trucks carrying loads of sand traveled on State Road 74 at high rates of speed and utilized “Jake Brakes” in residential/school zone in early morning hours and throughout day.
New Mexico Department of Transportation and New Mexico State Police were notified to oversee commercial drivers. Jake Brakes, or the use of the engine’s exhaust to slow a truck, is prohibited in places where residential areas are near a highway, interstate, and thoroughfares.
The posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour. Truckers travel well over the posted speed limit.
Many motorists also pass in a “No Pass” zone signified by a solid yellow lines in the center of the highway.
However, many motorists that utilize State Road 74 may have obtained their driver’s license as their prize from a Cracker Jack box.
More patrols are need in areas of State Road 74 near the San Juan Elementary proximity, as erratic driving and passing in no passing zones puts my family, myself and many others in imminent danger daily.
Many of the violators drive without any regard for traffic laws, speed limits or jeopardizing others with their disregarding mentality and most likely don’t have any vehicle insurance to cover liability claims caused by them.
Leonard Aguilar
Ohkay Owingeh