New Bill Aims to Reduce 18-Wheeler Accidents
A new bill aims to protect highway travelers from the risk of an 18-wheeler accident by extending existing size and weight restrictions on large trucks to the entire national highway system.
The bill, called the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act of 2009, was introduced by Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA-3). 
It would prevent both interstate highways and national highways from being used by triple trailers, although exemptions would be made for firefighting units and the like.
Currently, size and weight limitations are enforced on interstate highways and states themselves are at liberty to set limits on state governed roads. Truck size and weight restrictions, for most state roads, are a maximum length of 53 ft and a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds. These limits also apply to Interstate Highway Systems which run across 44,000 miles. If the bill is passed, the ban on trucks that exceed the size and weight limitation would extend to 160,000 miles of highway.
The bill aims to keep heavier 18-wheelers off the road, thereby making roads safer. There are many challenges involved in navigating an 18-wheeler through traffic"
- 18-wheelers suffer from poor maneuverability and stability, and are harder to navigate than smaller vehicles.
- These large trucks require a longer distance to come to a complete stop.
- They have bigger blind spots that impact the driver’s view of vehicles behind him.
In addition to preventing injuries associated with 18-wheeler accidents, the bill would also contribute to better highway maintenance by reducing the number of heavy trucks using the roads. Union workers and 18-wheeler accident lawyers have voiced their support for the bill as it makes traveling safer for all involved.
18-wheeler Safety
It is difficult to maintain and repair existing roadways due to a shortage of funds, a tremendous strain would be added to our transportation infrastructure if larger 18-wheelers were allowed on our roads. If trucking companies had their way, they would introduce larger vehicles that could carry larger loads; never mind the risks of jack knifing and 18-wheeler rollovers. These large trucks are responsible for close to 2.4 deaths for every 100 million vehicle miles. That is a 50% higher rate than smaller vehicle fatalities. The less 18-wheelers we allow on our highways, the lesser the chance of accidents and safer the general motorist population.
If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP to discuss your options for compensation.
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