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The possibility of lower speed limits for large vehicles

On Behalf of | Aug 30, 2016 | Truck Accidents

Ohio residents might be happy to know that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are trying to reduce the highway speed limits for large vehicles such as buses and trucks. Each year, there are more than 1,000 fatalities resulting from accidents involving commercial vehicles. According to supporters of this proposal, this measure would increase the safety of the roadways and save on fuel costs.

The restrictions that are being considered include limits of 60, 65 and 68 miles per hour. An electronic device would be used on newly manufactured vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds and would prevent motorists from driving over the designated speed limit. Another reason for the proposal is that some states currently have limits that exceed those that truck tires are manufactured to handle. For 60 days, the federal agencies responsible for the proposal will consider the comments and opinions offered by the public and decide on a specific limit and whether the regulation should be made into law.

Detractors of the proposal, particularly truckers, state that speed limit caps can result in hazardous situations in which trucks are moving much slower than other vehicles on the road. According to a representative of the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, the danger that is created when other vehicles slow down for trucks can increase the chances of a crash occurring.

Semitruck collisions can cause catastrophic injuries to occupants of other vehicles due in large part to their sheer size and weight. Those who have been harmed in an accident that was caused by a speeding truck driver may want to seek compensation for their losses through a personal injury lawsuit filed with the assistance of an attorney.

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