Commercial trucks play a critical role in transporting goods and people around the country. To accomplish this, they frequently travel on major highways and interstates. After all, the goal is to arrive at their destinations as quickly as possible.
Drivers are often paid by the load or by the mile, which incentivizes them to work efficiently. However, adjusting speed based on highway conditions can help reduce the risk of truck accidents.
The question is, how fast can commercial trucks safely travel on highways? Here’s everything you need to know.
Are Commercial Trucks Subject to the Same Speed Limit?
Yes — at least for now. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been working on implementing a national speed limit for all commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs or higher.
Several different speed limits have been proposed, including 60 MPH, 65 MPH, and 68 MPH. The latter seems to have gained the most support, as it would still allow commercial drivers to travel close to the posted speed limit on interstates and highways with a posted maximum speed of 70 MPH.
To enforce the rule, trucking companies would need to install speed limiters, which prevent semi trucks from traveling above a set threshold. Nearly three out of four truck fleets claim they’re already using speed limiters. However, each company sets its own policy.
If the FMCSA passes the new rule, it would standardize commercial vehicle speed limits across the country. Commercial drivers would be responsible for staying within these speed limits, even if the roads they’re traveling on have higher posted limits. Installing electronic limiters is the most practical way to promote compliance across an entire fleet.
What About Emergency Vehicles?
If approved, the FMCSA rule will undoubtedly include an exemption for emergency vehicles, even if they exceed the GVWR limit. The reason for this is that first responders must be able to move as quickly as possible to save lives.
Emergency vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances are legally allowed to exceed the posted speed limit when responding to legitimate calls for service. However, drivers are still expected to operate the vehicles in a safe manner and adjust their speed based on road conditions. Operators and the agencies they work for can be held liable in emergency vehicle crashes.
Factors That Impact Commercial Truck Speed
The posted speed limit is just that: the fastest speed a vehicle is allowed to travel under normal conditions. However, all motorists, especially commercial drivers, are responsible for adjusting their speed based on current weather, road, and traffic conditions.
Commercial drivers must be abundantly cautious, considering that the vehicles they operate weigh tens of thousands of pounds.
These professionals should be mindful of the following:
- Traffic volume and congestion
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions
- The state of their vehicles and trailers
Commercial drivers also need to give themselves more time to stop and be ready to slow down when driving on wet or icy roadways.
Why Driving Too Fast For Conditions Can Be Dangerous
When commercial drivers fail to slow down in response to poor road conditions, they endanger everyone else on the road near them.
Some risks associated with driving too fast for conditions include:
- Rollovers
- Jackknifing
- Tire blowouts
- Read-end collisions
Semi truck crashes can be deadly. Consequently, it’s crucial to educate all drivers on highway safety measures and enforce commercial vehicle laws.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Any time you’re traveling next to or near a commercial truck, pay attention to the driver’s habits. If they appear to be speeding or are inattentive, create some extra space between you and their vehicle. Attentiveness is the single best defense against careless semi truck drivers.
Contact the Jacksonville Truck Accident Lawyers at The Truck Accident Law Firm for Help Today
If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Contact our Jacksonville truck accident lawyers at The Truck Accident Law Firm for a free consultation today.
