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Ride for the Constitution truckers slow D.C. traffic

Posted at 10:49 AM, Oct 11, 2013
and last updated 2013-10-11 14:58:48-04

DOSWELL, Va. (WTVR) - A group of truckers left Doswell, Virginia Friday morning to take part in the ‘Ride for the Constitution’ in Washington, D.C.

Some big rig drivers said they planned to join truckers from across the country slowing down traffic around the nation's capital.

"I'm not all for the divisional structure of Republican and Democrats, because it creates more division within the country," Michael Schaffner with RideForTheConstitution.org said.

Virginia State Police, who beefed up patrols ahead of the planned demonstration, pulled over at least one group of truckers, according to WTOP.com.

"Four commercial vehicles began driving side-by-side across all four northbound lanes of I-495 on the Inner Loop slowing traffic to 15 mph. Virginia State Police stopped the four tractor-trailers at the 53 mile marker (Fairfax County) and warned them not to impede traffic," Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller told WTOP in a statement. "No summons/ticket was issued. The tractor-trailers were then allowed to proceed on their way."

Trucker Michael  Schaffner (PHOTO: Jack Rusak)

Trucker Michael Schaffner (PHOTO: Jack Rusak)

Trucker Michael  Schaffner said the three-day demonstration is not a Democratic or Republican issue, it is all about preserving the Constitution.

“The way Congress is doing, they’ve basically throwed our Constitution in the trash,” Alabama trucker Brad Higgins told CBS 6 reporter Mark Holmberg Thursday night.Higgins had erected a large U.S. flag on a 4×4 salt-treated post chained and rigged on his empty flatbed trailer.

Chris Hart traveled through the night from Florida to take part.

"The insurance is just killing me," Hart said.  "The deductible is outrageous compared to what it used to be.  I definitely want to see a change."

WTOP reporter Nick Iannelli tweeted a photo of truckers slowing traffic around Washington, D.C.

This is a developing story.