August 25, 2020 How Incorrect Speed Limits Cause More Truck Accidents

Misjudgments in speed can lead to truck accidents, injuries and costly damages.

Exceeding speed limits and opting to drive at high speeds is dangerous for all vehicles on the road. However, speeding is a particularly hazardous practice for large trucks and is a frequent cause of big rig accidents. The majority of, if not all, commercial truck drivers are aware of the risks associated with speeding. Still, they are motivated to partake in the dangerous practice due to a multitude of factors. Commercial truck drivers travel all over the country and are typically running on a tight schedule. Rules and regulations are in place to help increase safety for both truck drivers and other vehicles on the road. These rules restrict the number of hours that drivers are allowed to work before needing to take a break to sleep. In order to complete their cross country deliveries within their prescribed time frame, truck drivers may sometimes result to driving too quickly. These misjudgments may lead to truck accidents, severe injuries, and costly damages.

Why Trucks Are More Prone to High-Speed Accidents

While all vehicles who drive at high speeds increase their likelihood of being involved in a dangerous accident, large trucks are especially prone to higher levels of risk when speeding. A couple of factors that contribute to this amplified possibility of risk include:

• Less reaction time. Like other vehicular drivers, truck drivers have a decreased amount of time to react to hazardous road conditions, when speeding. Reaction time is further lowered when the driver is drowsy or distracted. Truck drivers travel for long hours across the country, making them more susceptible to drowsiness, thus having a slower reaction time. Drowsiness, coupled with speeding, is a potential cocktail for disaster.
• Heavy cargo. Trucks that are heavily loaded with cargo need a longer stopping distance since they have a higher level of momentum. The momentum of a loaded truck is only further amplified when the truck is traveling at high speeds. Many big rig rear-end accidents result from trucks not stopping in time when traveling too quickly on the road.

The Dangers of High-Speed Travel for Trucks

Vehicles that travel down roads at high speeds are at a greater threat of losing control and withstanding serious injuries. These risks are even more so prevalent for big rig trucks, which can already be more difficult to control than other types of vehicles. Here are some examples of the dangers of trucks traveling at high speeds:

• Increased turnover rate. In comparison to some vehicles, like a sedan or mini-van, big rig trucks have an inherently higher turnover risk. The combination of heavy cargo, excessive speeds, and a curvy road can cause a truck to flip over.
• Blown out tires. Tires that are continually driven at rates faster than their recommended speed rating become worn out quicker than when driven at or under their prescribed speed rating. In conjunction with the fact that the wheels on big rig trucks are often under-inflated, there is a tremendous risk of a tire blowout. Tire blowouts cause over 75,000 accidents and over 400 fatalities annually.

Having decreased and correct speed limits can help prevent catastrophic truck accidents from happening in the first place.

If you are involved in a trucking accident in Florida, 1-800-Injured is here to help connect you with skilled attorneys and medical services.

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