LETTERS: TRUCKERS TEND TO BE SAFER DRIVERS

To the editor:

Concerning the collision between the semi and the Amtrak train: I realize in this case chance are the trucker was to blame. I am very sorry for the family members of the 11 people who died. But I see a false accusation arising: that truck drivers are reckless and uncaring beasts. This is very far from the truth. My father spent the better part of his life, along with my mother, behind the wheel of a freightliner. The are, to this day, the two best driver I know.

No one seems to realize that it's not always the big guy's fault. These people transport many of our essential goods. They also many times have families waiting at home. That give them no reason to be reckless and deadly to our travelers. They are flesh like ourselves. Their minds are no more complex. They many times are conscientiously aware of their surroundings. Please take into consideration they are human and will make mistakes.

CHARLENE MASENGILL

Jackson