Between 2009 and 2017, 35,882 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks, according to Road Safe America. One of the group’s founders said that deaths could be prevented in Virginia and throughout the country via the use of speed limiting and automatic braking tools. States that have the highest number of fatalities between 2009 and 2016 also tend to have higher speed limits on their highways.
Generally speaking, a truck that weighs up to 80,000 pounds going at 70 miles per hour needs more time to stop than other vehicles. By keeping speed down, the truck could more easily stop in an emergency situation. According to the co-founder of Road Safety America, speed limiting technology is already built into most large trucks. Therefore, it would merely be a matter of choosing to use it.
Speed limiting technology is required for use in large trucks in many countries throughout the world. In 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a rule to set a maximum speed for large trucks. However, President Trump’s agenda of loosening federal regulations meant that the proposed rule fell by the wayside.
If trucking company negligence results in a traffic accident, a victim may be entitled to compensation. Those who are killed in a crash may be represented in a personal injury case by a personal representative or family member. Victims could be entitled to compensation for lost wages or lost future earnings. Evidence of negligence may include driver, employer or witness statements. Legal counsel could help a plaintiff resolve a case through a settlement or formal trial.