NHTSA Proposes Capping Maximum Speeds for Trucks

In 2014, there were 476,000 large truck and bus accidents throughout the country, resulting in fatalities for seven out of ten motorists in passenger vehicles involved in these crashes.

The latest proposal from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) aims to reduce these fatal accidents by requiring speed limiting devices be installed on all heavy-duty trucks and other large commercial vehicles to restrict maximum speeds.

This proposal is estimated to save up to 500 lives each year and save more than $1 billion in fuel costs every year.

Until the measure is passed, motorists can take actions to avoid colliding with a truck and improving roadway safety for all, including:

• Avoid blind spots or “no zones.” These are right behind where the driver sits, 20 feet in front of the vehicle and 30 feet behind it. A rule of thumb is if you cannot see the vehicle’s driver in its mirrors, that driver cannot spot you on the road below.
• Do not pass a large vehicle in the right lane. Move quickly when making passing maneuvers in the left lane. Also, before re-entering the right lane, check to ensure you can see the vehicle in your rearview mirror.
• Avoid cutting off trucks. These large vehicles can take as much as 40 percent longer to stop than smaller passenger vehicles.
• Stay 30 feet behind trucks. If you get too close and the truck slows down, you are at risk for sliding under the raised portion of the truck on the back.

Were you injured in a truck accident due to some form of negligence? If so, you may be entitled to compensation and you should contact the truck accident attorneys at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn to review your claim and inform you of the legal options available. A Fort Worth injury attorney from our firm can review the details of your incident and advise if you have grounds to file a claim.

Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form today.