It’s no surprise that driving too fast can be dangerous. Pair this risky driving practice with a vehicle that weighs tens of thousands of pounds and you have a recipe for disaster.
This common sense realization was recently supported by a study out of the Virginia Tech University Transportation Research Institute. Researchers with the study reviewed over 138,000 trucks, analyzed 15,000 crashes and discovered that the faster trucks travel the more likely they are to get involved in a tragic trucking accident.
What was the purpose of this research? In addition to providing some additional proof that slower speeds translate to safer roads, the researchers were also hoping their results would support a proposal for speed limiters.
What are speed limiters? Speed limiters are, essentially, devices that are installed in commercial big-rigs to help ensure that they do not travel over a certain speed.
A rule is currently under consideration that would require the installation of these devices. If passed, the devices would work to prevent trucks from traveling above 68 mph.
Did the results support the rule? In short, yes, the results of the study support the use of speed limiters in trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has used the data to support the proposal.
Will the proposal become law? It is not yet known whether the proposal will pass. However, if it does pass, those in favor of the limiters expect that it would result in a reduction in trucking accidents.
What can victims of trucking accidents learn from this proposal? First, it is important for victims of truck crashes to know that they are not alone. Trucking accidents happen and injuries can be severe.
Second, those who are injured should not shy away from holding guilty parties accountable for their wrongdoing. A personal injury lawsuit can hold the truck driver, trucking company or manufacturer responsible for their negligence. It can also lead to monetary awards to help cover the costs associated with the accident. Contact an attorney to discuss your options.