Industry Opposing 18-Wheeler Accident Prevention Bill
The Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act of 2009 would preserve highways and prevent 18-wheeler accidents by extending current size and weight restrictions for trucks on all highways. Not too surprisingly, industry lobbying groups, including those representing trucking companies and produce-shippers, are opposing any such legislation.
The bill would keep triple trailers exceeding 80,000 pounds and 53 ft off both, interstate highways and national highways. The goal is to prevent serious accidents involving these large trucks, and reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities that result from those accidents. Restricting the movements of such large vehicles would also reduce the need for frequent highway repairs.
The trucking industry, which would greatly benefit from having larger and bulkier trucks on the road, is opposing any such bill. They are supporting another piece of legislation which would go the other way and actually increase weight limits on trucks to 97,000 pounds. The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009 was introduced on March 30th by Representatives Michel Michaud (D-Maine) and Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio). The bill is being touted by the American Trucking Association who claims the bill will lead to “safer highways, cleaner air” and - the, seemingly, most important factor – cheaper costs of freight transportation. Larger, bulkier trucks would allow trucking companies to ship larger loads on fewer trips, thus saving money. The trucking industry is also pointing to the need for allowing heavier trucks in order to improve efficiency, increase productivity, and, in turn, boost the economy.
Backing the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act is the produce industry. The Coalition for Transportation Productivity includes potato industry representatives from Washington, Idaho, and Oregon; three states which allow large commercial trucks above 80,000 pounds on their highways. The organization has been vocal in its support for the bill. Both industries are lobbying furiously to have the bill passed.
Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accident lawyers firmly believe that we do not need heavier or larger 18-wheelers on the road, only safer trucks and more stringent procedures by trucking companies. We see far too many incidents involving ill maintained trucks, stressed, overworked, and fatigued drivers. These are the issues we should be focusing on.
As for concerns of loss of economic productivity during a recession, fewer 18-wheeler accidents and injuries mean reduced strain on our healthcare system, and consequently, our economy.
If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of a trucker or a trucking company, a truck accident attorney can help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. If you have questions regarding your case, contact a truck accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for help.
Gonzalez, who was on his way from Jacksonville to Groveland, later admitted to investigators that he was on his cell phone just before the accident. However, he failed to specify when he hung up the phone or if he hung it up at all. Investigators believe he may have been on the phone at the time of the accident. In addition, he had been traveling for many hours just before the crash.
Following the accident, another big rig crashed into a Ford Explorer just a few hours later on the same highway. The driver of the Ford Explorer, an Augusta resident, was seriously injured. The tractor trailer also slammed into two other vehicles, leaving two people with injuries. The driver of that tractor trailer, Sean Cornelius Johnson, was charged with following too closely.
Driving classes for teens do not normally include tips on how to be safe when sharing the road with big rigs that can reach 53 feet in length and up to 80,000 pounds in weight. Teaching these teens that an 18-wheeler driver may face driving challenges that can impact other vehicles on the road is extremely important. For instance, apart from .jpg)
Meanwhile, the woman who miraculously escaped injuries, Zoma Ramirez, is undergoing a CT scan to rule out the presence of internal injuries after the accident. The fact that Dynasty Trucking had a similar accident before does not speak well of the company's operating procedures. A complete investigation will reveal more about procedure violations at the company that could have contributed to the 18 wheeler-accident..jpg)
The driver of the tractor trailer, Texas resident Richard Widmier, was arrested. He faces charges of third degree assault, criminally negligent homicide, reckless driving, and failing to provide proof of insurance.
FBI agents stumbled on the connection about five years ago during a case involving a series of murders on highways in several states. Those murders were ultimately traced to an 18-wheeler driver. Soon after, the agency established the "Highway Serial Killing Initiative’’ to monitor suspected truck drivers. The FBI currently has a database of dozens of truckers who have been either charged with or suspected of murder or rape. More than 500 victims, mostly female prostitutes, have been murdered near highways..jpg)
Black was shaken, but escaped without any injuries. The trailer's mulch spilled out onto the overpass, covering most of it. Blood alcohol tests were conducted to determine Black’s intoxication levels at the time of accident; he was charged with driving while intoxicated. .jpg)
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According to Leach, it is very important for emergency rescue personnel to be able to work with the kind of complex extrication equipment used in large-truck accident rescue. Serious accidents involving 18-wheelers are less frequent than those involving passenger cars; this means rescue personnel often has less practice with the complex extrication equipment and processes used. If used properly, the equipment and procedures can save precious lives. The program includes 24 hours of training and aims to cut down on the amount of time taken to rescue victims of an 18-wheeler accident from wreckage. The program also involves the participation of towing and recovery personnel and rescue equipment companies. 
Ken Truman works for Con-Way Freight Company, which currently employs 1,200 drivers. According to management, completing two million miles without being involved in a single accident is a key milestone in the industry. Truman's two million miles is equivalent to traveling to the moon and back 9 times.
Clarissa was hit by an 18-wheeler on Highway 44 in San Diego, Texas on the night of February 13th. She, ultimately, died from her injuries. It is still not clear what Clarissa was doing on Highway 44 when she was hit; police are trying to determine if the girl was crossing the road or playing with friends at the time of the accident. It is believed to be more likely that she was walking. Police are looking at a number of possibilities for 
