Federal regulators are planning to limit a truck’s maximum speed using electronic engine devices. According to a news report, the proposed rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is anticipated in 2023. The rule will require motor carriers operating commercial vehicles such as large trucks to equip the vehicles with electronic engine controls capable of governing the maximum speed of trucks. Officials stated that the set speed, yet to be determined, will be part of the rule.
Speed is a Major Factor in Truck Accidents
According to the National Roadway Safety Strategy, which was unveiled in
January by the U.S. Department of Transportation, speed was cited as a significant factor in fatal crashes. The report recommended the use of speed management devices to reduce serious injuries and fatalities. The National Transportation Safety Board listed speed limiters on its Most Wanted list in 2021.
The FMCSA stated that the number of major injury or fatal truck accidents in which speed is listed as a contributing factor is “unacceptable.” These regulations regarding electronic engine controls would compel fleets that are not using speed limiters to do so and therefore, enhance road safety, the agency said. The American Trucking Associations has welcomed the FMCSA’s proposal for a speed limiter rule.
Dangers of Excessive Speed
Driving at an unsafe speed plays a significant role in any type of traffic accident and the resulting injuries and damages. The hazards increase exponentially when tractor-trailers, semi-trucks and other commercial big rigs are involved in speed-related crashes, especially due to their size and weight. When trucks travel at an excessive rate of speed, the driver may not be able to stop in time if a vehicle ahead slows down or stops due to traffic ahead or other conditions on the road.
A large truck typically requires more time to come to a stop. While violating posted speed limits is dangerous, driving at an unsafe speed — given traffic, roadway or weather conditions — can also be extremely hazardous. The FMCSA prohibits truck drivers from driving too fast for the conditions.
Such adverse conditions may include inclement weather (ice, fog, rain or snow); low visibility conditions; slick roadways; heavy traffic; roadway construction zones; and road hazards. When truck drivers notice any such conditions, they must slow down immediately, even if it requires them to drive well under the speed limit.
Accidents caused by speeding may result in catastrophic or major injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma, internal organ damage, multiple broken bones, amputations, etc. Such injuries usually require major medical treatments and rehabilitation and may leave individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities that prevent them from working and earning an income.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Victims who have been injured in truck accidents may be able to seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families of deceased accident victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as lost future income, funeral costs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 50 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury and/or medical malpractice cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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Source: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/fmcsa-revs-up-plan-to-set-speed-limit-for-truck-engines