Nationwide protests against dangerous double trailers

 Yesterday, April 26, groups of independent Mexican truckers went on strike demanding stricter rules for double-trailer weight and dimension limits. Truckers blocked one lane of the Mexico – Queretaro and Mexico – Pachuca highways causing major traffic disruptions.  Protesters claim double-trailers are dangerous and often carry excessive weight loads leading to severe accidents. For instance, on April 13, a truck pulling two trailers carrying a load with excessive weight lost its rear trailer, which crashed into a bus killing five students and a teacher. The incident occurred near the Federal District.  A similar incident occurred on April 20, when a double-trailer also lost its rear trailer due to excessive weight. The unit crashed into a bus killing 43 passengers near Veracruz. Truckers also complain against corrupt police and the high price of gasoline.  Blockades are expected in 110 municipalities of 28 states in which approximately 50 thousand trucks will participate. Today, April 27, the following highways are being blocked by protesters: Puebla – Acatzingo (km 166); Cordoba – Puebla (km 166); Cosoleacaque – Nuevo Tepa (km 29) and Mexico – Queretaro.  They plan to block several highways connecting to the Federal District today as well.