When a truck driver speeds, only danger lies ahead. The consequences of breaking the law and going over the speed limit are often devastating as the chance of an accident occurring increases significantly. What is it, exactly, that makes this action so precarious? We explain all you need to know in this guide.
What Does the Law Say?
The speed limit for trucks varies depending on what type of road they are driving on and which state they are operating in. However, it is rare to find any place at all that will allow this type of vehicle to exceed speeds of 70 mph. Some states, for instance, Oregon, even go as low as 55 mph restrictions. Anything beyond this point is deemed too hazardous and for good reason too. If a CDL license holder is caught, they can be banned from driving for 60 days and more.
What Are the Consequences of a Speeding Truck Accident?
If you are hit by a truck going over the speed limit then anything can happen. The aftermath is often catastrophic and life changing, and you could be facing some real hardship. It is common to see major medical consequences such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, severed limbs, and even death. This means huge medical bills, time off work and lost wages, readjustments to your daily life, and sometimes, the pain of grieving if you lose a loved one.
What Makes Speeding So Dangerous?
The truth is, any accident that is caused by this type of action is going to be a big one. Any driver not respecting the rules of the road and operating a vehicle outside of the legal limit is a hazard to pedestrians and other cars or bikes out there. Speeding makes it harder to react in time to hazards, more difficult to come to a complete stop, and increases the difficulty to handle a vehicle if you need to swerve or maneuver. The faster the speed, the more devastating the consequence.
When a Truck Drives Legally
Even when a truck driver is legally compliant, it is an incredibly demanding role. These vehicles have a big presence, they are tall, heavy, and often carrying lots of goods. What this means is they need to drive more slowly in order to successfully respond to their environment. If they need to stop, it takes a lot longer than a regular sized car because of the weight behind them. If they need to turn, it has to be done carefully so the vehicle doesn’t roll, and if they can’t avoid an accident despite driving within the expected limit, the impact will still be severe.
Throw Speeding into the Mix
So, when speeding is factored in, all of these things become enhanced in the worst possible way. Stopping takes so much longer, maneuvering and turning are incredibly difficult at high speeds, and unavoidable collisions will cause major scenes and consequences.
Why Do Truckers Speed at All?
If the impact is so severe, why do truck drivers feel the need or even dare to go past the legal road limit at all? Well, why does anyone speed, is the real question. Truck drivers are working long shifts with big responsibilities on their shoulders. They are under pressure, often tired, and have very little to do other than concentrate and keep the vehicle safe while out there on the road.
Mandated Breaks
Truck drivers have to take a break after a certain amount of time behind the wheel. This is the law, and there is no getting around it. To do so would be to risk their position and the integrity of their company. Therefore, some drivers will feel the need to complete their tasks before the enforced driving break kicks in so that they are not set back from their agenda. They may fear they are going to fall behind and this will cause stress and resentment. So, they speed up a little here and a little there to try to squeeze in all of the things on their to-do list before time runs out.
Making Up For Lost Time
Everyone has been sat in a traffic jam wishing they could fly, and CDL drivers are no exception. If a bad delay hits their route, there is very little at all that they can do to rectify it or move around it. It can put hours on their schedule and mean they could be late with a delivery, lose work, and have to stay out on the road longer than anticipated. Speeding makes up for this lost time when the pressure is on.
Added Complications
There are some circumstances when speeding is even more of a risk for truck drivers. For example, if there is rain or wind in the area they are driving in, everything is going to be intensified and it is even more difficult to control the vehicle regardless of whether they are speeding or not. They may be passing a construction zone or have a big load in the back. It could be snowing or icy, and they might even be driving through fog. There are so many things out there that make it difficult to drive a truck safely, and there have to be reasonable adjustments regardless of the expected schedule. This is the only way to ensure people stay safe.
What Can You Do After an Accident?
Proving a truck driver was speeding is straightforward if the data from the vehicle can be accessed in good time, and the log is checked thoroughly. Taking your case to our team will mean you get the results you need to move on with your life and heal in the best way possible. Every area will be investigated and the person or party to blame will be held accountable.
Karns & Karns Truck Accident Attorneys are officially based in California, Texas, and Nevada. If you have been a victim of a speeding truck driver and your life has been impacted, come visit us today and find out how we can help.
