Mayor Daley Reiterates City's commitment to Investing in Transit Infrastructure

Maintaining and improving the CTA system always has been -- and always will be -- one of the highest priorities of city government, Mayor Richard Daley said at the future site of the CTA's new $38 million Morgan Street station on the Green and Pink lines.

Truckers Under the Influence Endanger Passenger Vehicles

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At the present time, the federal government requires pre-employment drug tests and then random testing after being hired for all commercial truck drivers. The law specifically states that drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL) are subject to drug testing as are truck owner-operators with a CDL and motor carriers who employ drivers with a CDL.

A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Traffic Safety showed that 15% of all interstate truck drivers had marijuana in their system, 12% had stimulants (non-prescription), 5% had prescription stimulants, 2% had cocaine and less than 1% had alcohol in their system.

Alcohol

Regarding alcohol use, a driver does not have to be drunk to be impaired. Even very low blood alcohol content (BAC) levels impair driving performance by reducing the driver's reaction time and slowing his decision-making process. At the current time, the federal government prohibits commercial truck drivers, railroad and mass transit workers, marine employees, and aircraft pilots from operating vehicles with a BAC at or greater than 0.04%. The number of accidents caused by intoxicated truck drivers has actually decreased in recent years. Statistics show that approximately only 1-3% of trucking accidents are caused by an impaired truck driver.

Marijuana

Many people have the false notion that driving after smoking marijuana is safer than driving after drinking. This is simply not true. Marijuana can affect concentration, perception and reaction time as long as 24 hours after it is smoked. That is much, much longer than alcohol affects a driver's behavior.

Marijuana has been found to be a factor in over 12% of fatal trucking accidents. In recent years, out of the truckers tested randomly for drugs and alcohol, a whopping 45% showed marijuana in their system.

Methamphetamine

Due to the very long hours they often have to work, truck drivers are always looking for ways to stay awake and alert to meet deadlines. It has been reported that 17 out of every 20 truckers say it is very easy to find methamphetamine at truck stops along their route. Truckers have recently been succumbing more and more to the powerful drug due to the fact it can keep people awake for several hours and sometimes days at a time. Surveys and roadside tests have indicated that one in five truckers use stimulants on some of their trips.

Perhaps there is a need for more drug testing of our nation's truck drivers. Though most truckers are tested randomly after their date of hire, many of them even say it is not often enough.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident in Colorado, please visit the website of experienced truck accident attorneys Hull & Zimmerman, serving clients in the Denver and Boulder areas of Colorado.

Sights and Interests in Salzburg, Austria

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If you love Mozart and large medieval castles, then Salzburg is the place for you. Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Austria, with a 2007 population of 150,000. It is situated on the banks of the Salzach River at the northern boundary of the Alps. The city sets off an interesting contrast between the majestic mountains to the south and the rolling plains to the north.

The massive Hohenslalzburg Castle sits atop Festungberg Hill and is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, with a length of 250 meters and a width of 150 meters. Construction of the fortress began in 1077 and construction continued throughout the centuries, as the ring walls and towers were built in the 1400s. The views are also spectacular from the castle.

You'll never forget that Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart as you walk through the city. Everywhere you go you will hear his music, and there are two Mozart Museums in the city. You can also visit Mozart's birthplace and his residence.

Salzburg is a favorite destination of tourists; in fact there are certain times of the year when tourists outnumber locals by a large margin. There is certainly much to see in Salzburg -- the Baroque architecture in particular is world-famous, which includes many churches . The Salzburg Cathedral is another magnificent sight, and there are other castles such as the Anif Castle, along with the Schloss Klessheim Palace which is now a Casino and was once used by Adolf Hitler.

If you visit Salzburg in winter, there are excellent skiing areas in the Alps to the south. Salzburg also features a zoo, and there are many museums and attractions to keep you busy. Be sure to take advantage of a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city.

Cody has been writing and publishing articles on the web since 2001. Check out his latest website which is all about mailboxes -- from magnetic mailbox covers to stainless steel mailboxes and much more.