In recent years, as many as 3.5 million people worked as commercial truck drivers in the United States. Truck driving allows people to make a good living while seeing the country. The industry, however, does experience its stresses. Long hours on the road combined with the pressure to make deliveries as fast as possible can wear on truck drivers and can lead to potentially dangerous behavior on the road. One common dangerous behavior is speeding.
Speed limits are especially important for large commercial trucks. These trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, making them difficult to stop. They can also easily tip over if they are going too fast on curves or turns. For this reason, compliance with the speed limit for a particular road is critical to keep truck drivers safe—not to mention all of the vehicles around them.
In addition to following the speed limit, truck drivers should also know when it is necessary to slow down to less than the speed limit. This is often the case in the following conditions:
- Heavy traffic
- Fog
- Rain
- Sleet
- Icy conditions
- Snow
There is no specific speed limit for adverse traffic or weather conditions. Instead, a commercial driver should use good judgment to know when to slow down enough to stay safe on the road. Unfortunately, the huge tires and heavy weight of a truck often give a truck driver the false impression of good traction or the ability to safely go faster than other vehicles. In addition, people who drive for a living often think they are experienced enough that they don’t have to slow down. This is often how devastating accident happen.
The following common issues can occur when truck drivers speed:
- They cannot slow down or stop in time if they encounter traffic or obstacles in the road.
- They can lose control on turns or during lane changes that cause them to crash or even roll over.
- They intimidate other drivers, which can cause distractions.
- They may not see other vehicles in low visibility until it is too late.
Truck drivers know their vehicles are particularly dangerous, so they are required to drive in a safe manner to prevent harm to others. When truck drivers fail to do so—such as when they speed—they should be held liable for all of the injuries and damage they cause. In addition, the trucking companies that employ a dangerous driver may also be held responsible for a truck driver’s negligence.
Contact a San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney for More Information Today
The Law Offices of George Salinas represents people who have been injured in many types of accidents in the San Antonio area and throughout Texas. We understand how a sudden injury can hurt you, and we stand up for the rights of our clients until they receive the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer, please call (210) 225-0909 or contact us online.