Trucks play a significant role in the American economy, and at any given time, Louisiana motorists are sharing the road with these large, heavy vehicles. Because of the size and weight of these commercial vehicles, 18-wheeler accidents can cause significant damage to smaller cars and trucks. It is critical that the men and women who drive semitrailers make safe choices while behind the wheel.
One of the simplest ways to reduce the number of truck accidents is to reduce speeds. There are some groups that want regulations in place that will mandate trucks to drive at speeds no higher than 65 miles per hour. Road Safe America and the Truck Safety Coalition are pushing for laws that will require all trucks to use devices that limit their speed, as well as have automatic brake systems in place.
The group has been trying for years to have these measures passed, but so far, they have been unsuccessful. They hope that the new Congress will be helpful or even the president to become involved in their quest. The group states a study from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that indicates trucks that do not use speed limiters have a 200 percent higher chance of being involved in a highway accident.
Truck drivers are responsible for maintaining safe speeds, and trucking companies are responsible for enforcing safe practices. When innocent Louisiana motorists are injured in 18-wheeler accidents, they have the right to seek compensation through a civil claim. A truck accident victim does nor have to walk through the aftermath of an accident alone.
