A massive semi-truck may travel down a Texas highway at excessive speeds because the driver has an important load to deliver. Regardless of the cargo or its importance and destination, truck drivers shouldn’t speed. Moving faster than the law allows does more than raise the risks for a citation. Speeding could cost someone his or her life since truck accidents might be devastating.
Truck driving and speeding
A truck driver could run behind schedule or simply become impatient. Pressing down on the gas pedal might add enough extra miles per hour to catch up. Traveling a “little faster” comes with several potential downsides. A tractor-trailer traveling at 60 mph requires a significant distance to come to a halt. If the truck reaches 75 mph, the length and time necessary to stop increase. When a car stalls or another object blocks the road, a driver might not be able to hit the brakes in time. A crash and severe injuries may result. Expect a speeding driver to face a civil suit after such a scenario happens.
Yet, many truck drivers take chances and speed. During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, vehicle accidents increased. Many assume that speeding factored into the uptick. Fewer drivers hit the roads in 2020, and “open roads” led some to drive faster, an ill-advised decision under any circumstances.
Speeding and safety
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance wants to focus on speeding during 2021’s “Operation Safe Driver Week.” Cutting back on speeding could cut back on truck accidents. Speeding may also contribute to wear-and-tear on a vehicle, including tire wear, factors that might contribute to accidents.
A truck driver may carry enough insurance to cover liability costs. However, drivers that cause accidents may end up unemployed.
Persons hurt due to a truck driver’s negligence could consult with an attorney. The attorney may help a client take legal steps to recover losses.
