Of all the dangers on the road, there are few things scarier for many Pottsville residents to encounter than speeding or out-of-control 18-wheelers. Given their large size and weight, semi-tractors and trailers present unique dangers to everyone on the road, and these dangers are only made worse when truck drivers are not following the rules of the road.
These dangers are recognized under state and federal law, as truck drivers are subject to additional rules and regulations governing the safety of their driving and vehicles. A new proposal from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration seeks to further regulate truck safety by restricting the speed at which trucks, buses and other large vehicles can travel.
Under the proposal, a nationwide limit would be imposed on vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds. These vehicles would face a speed cap of 60, 65 or 68 miles per hour, which regulators believed would reduce the number of fatal accidents and save billions in fuel costs.
It remains to be seen whether the new rule will be formally approved. However, those who have been involved in a truck accident caused by speeding can attest to the dangers involved. Other motorists and their passengers can be seriously injured, or killed, due to a truck driver who is driving too fast for the conditions.
Moreover, the injuries can be far worse than they would otherwise be in an accident involving two vehicles of like size. Accordingly, in these tragic incidents, injured individuals and their families should understand their ability to hold truck drivers and truck companies responsible, regardless of whether the new speed restrictions happen or not.
Source: WTAE, “U.S. wants to force lower speed limit on truck, bus drivers,” Aug. 26, 2016