EDITOR: Perhaps you’ve heard them. Perhaps you’ve seen them run red lights. You know what I’m talking about. Semi-trucks, tractor trailers, big rigs (whatever you call them) are traveling too fast through Globe.

Usually during early morning hours, you can hear the annoying “popping and chattering” of engine brakes or “Jake brakes” along Highway 60. I believe many truckers lay on the Jake brake instead of using lower gears and braking to slow their rigs.

As for the noise issue, I recommend that the City of Globe install “NO ENGINE BRAKES in City Limits.”

The city of Payson has posted signage to prevent excessive engine noise. Many small towns have enacted and posted ordinance to prevent use of engine braking. Globe did install some little signs along U.S. 60 which imply that “Vehicle Noise Laws enforced, A.R.S 28.955.” ARS 28.955 is a weak little law with no teeth to enforce excessive noise and have had no effect on use of engine braking. So, engine braking noise continues.

But perhaps there is a bigger issue than noise. Perhaps this is public safety issue. If semi-trucks must use their engine brake to slow down, perhaps they are exceeding posted speed limits. Sooner or later one of these big rigs will lose control and slam into a vehicle or pedestrian.

Semi-trucks often run the red light (heading west) at the intersection of Broad Street and U.S. 60 (Ash). There will be a collision with someone turning right onto U.S. 60. It’s just a matter of time.

This is wonderful community; it’s beautiful and historic, so why not make it safer and quieter? Hopefully the Globe City Council will consider my recommendation and take this matter seriously.

Walter Johnson

Globe