Drivers in Louisiana will inevitably encounter large trucks when out on the road. Their prevalence can lead to complacency in thinking that they are just part of the landscape and there is little to worry about in terms of being injured in a truck accident. The reality is that these vehicles carry with them a significant danger even in the best of circumstances. A common issue with these trucks is the speed at which they travel. Regulators’ attempts to find a way to limit their speed is indicative of how widespread the problem is.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) jointly proposed that heavy-duty vehicles have a device installed in them that will limit their maximum speed. With this, all new vehicles would have the device set at a speed that cannot surpass a certain number. The weight of the vehicles would be part of the decision as to which vehicles should be equipped with this device. Those at 26,000 pounds would have it installed.
The carriers who operate the vehicles and use it to transport commerce across state lines would have to maintain this device. The speed limit itself is not known, but more research is planned to decide on what would be the optimal number. The reasoning behind this is for the safety of those on the road. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more damaging a crash will be.
It is natural for drivers who are on the road for extended periods to push beyond the speed limits. While they might be under the impression that this is not dangerous, the research indicates that the faster a vehicle is going, the more damage that can result from a truck accident. This can lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
Those who have been injured or lost a loved one in a semi truck crash due to speed or for another reason need to know their rights to seek compensation. An experienced trucking accident attorney can help people in this situation.
Source: truckinginfo.com, “DOT Finally Proposes Truck Speed-Limiter Rule,” David Cullen, Accessed on Sept. 13, 2016
