Many different groups of people are constantly trying to find ways to lower the number of truck accidents and to ensure that the results are as minimal as possible. One option that’s been discussed is to lower the speed limit for trucks. While some say this would leave to fewer accidents, others say there are unintended consequences that could lead to a worse situation.
Read on to learn more about what these rules would entail. If you’ve been injured in any type of accident, and that accident was the result of another person or an entity acting negligently or recklessly, reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas. We can begin with a free legal consultation and can help ensure your legal rights are covered. Call us today at 909-982-0707.
What the rule says about the way trucks would be built
If the rule goes into effect, then any truck that weighed more than 20,000 pounds would not be able to go faster than 60 miles per hour. Every one of the 3.5 million+ large trucks in the United States have speed limiting devices, but they don’t all have limitations on how fast the truck can be driven.
Who’s proposing the rule
The National Highway Traffic Administration worked with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to come up with the rule. They are using a 60-day comment period to get facts from both sides. Once that time expires, they’ll make a decision about whether or not the rule will be put into practice.
It may not be a great idea – learn why some are against it
Not all groups believe that this technology to limit speeds is a safe technology. In fact, a spokesperson for the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association has come out against it. She says that, if implement, this rule could increase how often large trucks and cars interact on the highway. The speeds that are being considered are 60 miles per hour, 65 miles per hour, and 68 miles per hour.
Thinking about how states are set up today
At this point, there are five states throughout the U.S. in which there are speed limits of 80 miles per hour. That said, most large trucks can only go 75 miles per hour. If they go faster than their tires are made for, then the chances for blowouts and other issues increases. Some states say they didn’t know this when they set their speed limits. The NHTSA believes that this technology will solve that issue.
What to do if you’re involved in a truck accident
Accidents involving buses and large trucks are less frequent than accidents involving just cars, but truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured, or if a loved one lost their life in an accident with a large truck, then now is the time to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707. We’ll begin with a free legal consultation and will help you through the entire process. Call us today for more information.
