Authorities Encourage Lower Speed Limits for Trucks

Posted on August 14, 2015 | Written By: iadminlaw

03/31/2015

Trucks and tractor trailers have often been noted to travel upwards of 75 mph causing blowouts and accidents.

Most tucks are designed to travel at speeds not over 75mph.

Laws have changed in the last 10 years when trucks around the country were to drive no more than 65mph.

Speed limits for trucks and tractor trailers have been raised in 14 states.

When trucks and tractor trailers speed it can cause excessive heat, which can lead to the disintegration of the tire, causing accidents.

Seven blowouts occurred near San Diego with estimated damages at $20,000-$30,000 in damage to trucks and tractor trailers using Michelin tires.

The National Highway Safety Administration investigated the cause of these accidents and determined that the drivers were at fault.

Officials were unavailable for comment on the trucks excessive speed on the road. One regulation under consideration is to insist that mechanisms be placed on the trucks which prevent them from traveling over 75 mph.

Another idea is to manufacture trucks that can tolerate higher speeds.

some of these are already being produced in small numbers.

Michelin is the top tire producer over Bridgestone, Goodyear, Yokohama, and Firestone. Tires produced for cars do not appear to face this issue. Most of them are designed for speeds of up to 112 mph. The government has been petitioned to reduce speed limits for trucks and tractor trailers.

These recommendations are under review.

Texas, Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota are about to raise their speed limits to 80 mph or more. Several other states also have the intention of raising their speed limits.

Officials appeared to be unaware of safety standards.

Bruce Burrows, from the Transportation Department, indicated that drivers should be aware of the capacity of their trucks.

The Michelin investigation found that many trucks were over-burdened or the trucks were in ill-repair.