
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, July 16, 1990                   TAG: 9007160197
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

STATE POLICE BADLY UNDERMANNED

FOR THE most part, we agree with Raymond J. Lawrence (commentary June 25). He is right about the speeding rigs on Interstate 81; and if he's traveled any other interstates recently in Virginia, he'll find similar situations.

What disturbs us is the criticism he heaps on the State Police and the innuendo they are on "the take from the trucking industry." That is totally absurd, and we do not believe it for one moment.

Admittedly, it is a very serious problem, one that demands greater attention of the trucking industry, state and local governments, the tractor-trailer drivers and the general public.

You can count us among those who give a "damn." On Jan. 16, 1989, Roanoke Valley REACT Team 2166 wrote then-Gov. Baliles asking that funds be made available for additional state troopers. At that time, we obtained figures through Del. Chip Woodrum showing there were 897 troopers assigned to patrol more than 8,500 miles of interstate and primary highways in Virginia.

In the Salem Division, 135 patrolmen are asked to cover more than 1,500 miles of highway. In addition to patrolling, they handle many other law-enforcement duties. We believe the State Police are woefully undermanned.

We in REACT, who monitor CB Channel 9 to help motorists (including truckers) by giving directions, reporting accidents and other emergencies, believe the problem has many facets.

First is the drivers themselves. They need to pay a great deal more attention to the speed limits and safety on the highways. Most of them do.

Secondly, we think the trucking industry, which is essential to all of us and which maintains ongoing safety programs, needs to take greater responsibility for the actions of their drivers. Perhaps one way might be to lengthen the time allowed drivers from one point to another, or some other measures which have not been taken. Finally, the General Assembly and the state superintendent must find ways to recruit, train and pay more highway patrolmen.

REACT made a small effort. Our letter to Gov. Baliles went to all of the representatives from the Salem Division. There was little response. The governor did write to say that at that time, the General Assembly had granted his request for an additional 50 troopers.

This is a serious problem. Perhaps Gov. Wilder, who espoused strong law enforcement in his campaign, can help. Perhaps the Roanoke Times & World-News may want to look into the situation. It is later than we think.

\ MARTHA H. McCLUNG\ First Vice President/ Roanoke Valley Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams\ ROANOKE

by CNB