If you’ve driven on Massachusetts’ highways and Interstates recently, then you know that semi-trucks are a prevalent presence. You might also notice that many of these truckers are rocketing down the roadway, far surpassing the maximum speed limit. Truckers who refuse to obey posted speed limits can increase the chances that they will cause a catastrophic truck accident.
Fortunately, federal regulators are attempting to curtail truck wrecks caused by speeding truckers by implementing speed limiters in the trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed the limiters, which would cap heavy truck speeds at 60, 65 or 68 miles per hour. According to regulators, the proposal would save lives and fuel costs, making it beneficial for all parties involved. The limiters would be devices that would be subjected to mandatory installation on all newly manufactured trucks that weigh more than 26,000 pounds.
Although this proposed regulation may have a significant, and positive, impact on motorist safety, it has yet to be approved and is not without its flaws. For example, as of now, the limiters would not be mandatory in older trucks, which account for a large amount of trucks on the road. Thus, many Massachusetts motorists will still be subjected to speeding truckers even if this regulation is put into place. This means that far too many individuals will be injured in accidents caused by negligent truckers.
Where regulations fail to protect innocent drivers who are hurt in these wrecks, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit may be able to help. By pursuing such a claim, a victim may be able to seek much needed compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering, while at the same time punishing those who break the law.
Source: Fleet Owner, “Suggesting 60-68 mph, FMCSA, NHTSA propose truck speed limiters,” Aaron Marsh, Aug. 26, 2016