Speed Limiter Proposal Aimed at Preventing Fatal Truck Accidents

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Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers discuss a proposal on speed limiters with the hopes of preventing fatal truck accidents. Truck accidents are some of the most destructive accidents due to the massive size and weight of the average commercial truck. When a passenger vehicle is involved in a truck accident, the property damage to the car is often extreme. If the occupants of the passenger vehicle were lucky enough to survive the accident, it is likely that they suffered serious injuries. Two U.S. Senators have proposed new legislation that would require heavy trucks to be equipped with speed limiters, which prevent them from exceeding a speed limit of 65 mph. This legislation would help improve highway safety and reduce the number of fatal truck accidents.

If passed, The Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act of 2019 would require new commercial trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds to have the speed limiter technology installed. Trucks that are already equipped with the technology would also be required to set the 65-mph speed limit. Older trucks that are not equipped with the technology will be required to install the technology retroactively.

Speed Limiters Can Save Lives

According to advocates, this technology would ensure that truck drivers do not exceed safe speed limits. Too many fatal truck accidents are preventable, and this legislation would help prevent particularly devastating truck accidents that are caused by speeding. When a truck driver is unable to exceed a speed limit of 65 mph, they are better able to maintain control of the truck and avoid hitting other vehicles on the road.

The Road Safe America president and co-founder lost his son in a tragic truck accident. For too long, this critical safety measure has been available, but not enforced. Upon learning that his son could have been saved if this technology had been in use, he and his wife founded the Road Safe America to educate the public and raise awareness of this important issue. Protecting companies that encourage drivers to speed to remain competitive needs to stop.

Every year, over 140,000 people are killed or seriously injured in truck accidents in the United States. According to the Trucking Alliance managing director, it is likely that Congress will pass this bill, which is an important step toward reducing the number of fatal truck accidents in this country. Speed limiter technology is available for trucks and passenger vehicles, but because of how destructive large trucks can be when involved in an accident, the focus is on trucks, at this point. In addition to the speed limiter technology, there have also been efforts to raise the national standard for twin trailers from 28 to 33 feet. Safety advocates and lawmakers say that this would increase the truck hauling capacity. Twin 33s will be equipped with speed limiters set at 68 mph, as well as video event recorders, electronic stability control, and automatic emergency braking.

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Truck Accident Victims

If you were seriously injured in a truck accident involving a driver who was speeding, you are urged to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will determine who is responsible for your injuries and secure that maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.