West Virginia motorists share the road with trucks all the time. These large, heavy vehicles play a vital role in the transportation of goods and products across the country, but they can also pose a great danger as well. This is because trucks often cause significant damage when involved in accidents with smaller vehicles.
Safety advocates believe there are specific measures that could drastically reduce the number of overall truck accidents. These groups believe that lower speeds would help significantly, and for this reason, they are asking Congress for help. These groups want lawmakers to pass regulations that would require large trucks to use certain devices that would control their speed.
Are lower speeds the answer?
While there are many who want tighter regulations for semitrailers, Road Safe America and the Truck Safety Coalition are hoping they will be successful after more than a decade of trying. They are presenting their case by providing statistics and documentation that indicate that lower speeds are the key to reducing fatal and serious truck accidents.
The groups are hoping that the new Congress may consider their requests, and a spokesperson from the groups also expressed hope of gaining support from President Trump. The two things these groups want include:
- They are demanding that every truck have a speed limiter device installed and that they be required to use it. This would prevent trucks from traveling faster than 65 miles per hour.
- These groups also want it to be mandatory to have automatic emergency braking systems installed.
Despite the clear evidence that speed limiters are effective, there is no current rule that requires their use. Many other countries requires this, however, but the United States seems to lag behind in efforts to make it safer to share the road with large trucks.
What about victims?
If you are the victim of a truck accident caused by a speeding trucker, you have the right to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. You have the right to recovery, regardless of whether there are appropriate federal regulations in place. Through a civil claim, you can work to hold truckers and trucking companies accountable for reckless and negligent actions.
These types of accidents are time sensitive. You will find it beneficial to take quick action to learn about your rights and have an assessment of your case. This step allows you to know your options and move forward with the right course of action in a timely manner.
