As is the case with virtually any crash involving motor vehicles, when it comes truck accidents many factors could be to blame. Since that particular industry is so highly regulated, it makes sense that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would continually be on the lookout for ways to reduce the number of crashes–and by extension–injuries that occur on our nation’s roads.
An issue that recently came to light is the speed at which truck tires are designed to safely travel. It is possible that a truck driver could lose control of his or rig after a tire blows out as a result of driving too fast.
According to an investigation conducted by the Associated Press, the majority of the tires being used on trucks are not meant to handle speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour. Despite this, the speed limits for these trucks vary from state to state. A total of 14 states allow trucks to travel between 75 and 85 miles per hour. In Alabama, the maximum speed trucks are supposed to travel is 70 mph.
Of course the posted speed is not always what drivers follow and it is easy to see how a truck driving through the state of Alabama could exceed that speed, possibly resulting in a fatal crash.
The administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated that while thus far, no one has died as a result of a tire blow out after driving at too high of a speed, he would like the agency to take the necessary steps to make sure it does not happen. Accordingly, he indicated the agency will seek a regulation that requires electronic speed limiters on large trucks.
Whether this course of action will be effective remains to be seen. We will provide updates on the matter as they become available.
