Experienced Pennsylvania Defective Trailer And Truck Accident Lawyer Salutes An Unsung Hero Who Helps To Save Lives At His Own Expense
In the course of my legal practice as a Pennsylvania catastrophic injury and defective trailer law since 1979, I have met many unsung heroes whose lifetime work has had a significant impact on saving the lives of others. Ron Melancon is one of those individuals. In May of 2003, Ron was driving his minivan and noticed a pickup truck pulling a trailer in front of him. When the truck pulling a trailer stopped, Ron attempted to stop but unfortunately hit the trailer. Unfortunately the trailer was made of a transparent large steel mesh and for a driver behind the trailer, there was nothing to indicate its length or depth. Its brake lights were hard to visualize to the driver behind. Thank goodness no one was hurt and the damage to Ron’s car was minimal. But over and over in his mind, Ron Melancon tried to figure out how he missed seeing the trailer and how he could improve the safety of trailers that accidents such as this and more catastrophic accidents involving trailer did not occur. Ron Melancon then began a crusade to inform the public about the safety factors of trailers. Against the advice of all friends and on his own nickel, Ron decided not to get his van fixed and use the money that he saved by not repairing his van to start a campaign and call the public’s attention to trailer safety. During his initial hours of research Ron Melancon discovered a few details concerning trailers:
1. They do not need to be inspected.
2. You can build one on your own and use it or sell it.
3. If they are under 3,000 lbs., they fall below federal guidelines and if trailers are over 3,000 lbs. reflectors only need be placed at the extreme rear of the trailer.
In the beginning, no one wanted to hear Ron’s story. He was repeatedly told “You hit him in the rear, pay your fine and move on”. Ron took an online safe driving course to avoid a conviction for causing a car accident by following too closely, but he did not stop there. He then spoke to General Assembly delegate John S. Reid, who gave him the opportunity to vent and agreed to sponsor a Bill that would make trailers used to haul landscape equipment more visible. The law passed with 100% of the House of Delegates and the Senate and you would think that would be enough, but a company called Carry On Trailers decided to fight the law. Jackie Robinson once stated that “a life isn’t significant except for its impact on other’s lives.” Somewhere out there there is a unique place for all of us to help others and a unique role for us to fill that only we can fill if we are dedicated. Ron Melancon created a website entitled www.dangeroustrailers.org which I urge all of you to visit and support. Ron works 7 days a week, seemingly 24 hours a day, to make sure that the public is aware of the dangers of trailers and their defects. He has taken his efforts to legislators around the country, trailer manufacturers, as well as the consumers. It is important to add that Ron performs all of his duty and efforts at a significant financial loss to himself without any public or private support. When people such as Ron serve the public, life is no longer meaningless, and while some dubious readers may question Ron’s dedication, I salute Ron Melancon and believe that in helping others, we shall help ourselves. For whatever good we give out will complete the circle of life and come back to us, and that such given of the whole heart and freeful mind is the most beautiful thing that a person can do.
