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Semi, car are treated the same A letter addressing speeding county vehicles on Interstate 5 brought to mind a question I have asked myself numerous times while commuting on I-5 between Grants Pass and Medford. Why are semi-trucks allowed to speed along at 70 mph when the speed limit is 55 for trucks? In the last five years I have commuted between the two cities at all hours of the day and I have only seen one semi pulled over. While traveling at 65 I have been passed by more semi-trucks than I can count. Do they receive special treatment? -- Jo Ann B., Applegate You're not alone in your complaint, Jo Ann. Sgt. Ralph Nelson of the Oregon State Police says speeding trucks are a big cause of driver frustration up and down the I-5 corridor. But truckers aren't treated any differently than other drivers, Nelson says. Police are just as likely to pull over a speeding semi as they are to stop a passenger car, and officers use the same tools to track the speed of both cars and trucks. However, truck drivers can often fool the system by warning each other via radio when a patrol car is in the area. These warnings can reach drivers who may be hours away. Whether trucks are likely to speed depends on the driver and company, Nelson adds. Some are concerned about their reputations and stay within the limit. Others rush to meet delivery deadlines. Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � interRogue & The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA