May 24, 2021
In Illinois and around the country, commercial truck drivers are often under tremendous pressure to meet stringent delivery deadlines. Because of the pressure placed on them to deliver their goods on time, some truck drivers speed. However, it is never a good idea for commercial truck drivers to exceed the posted speed limits. Doing so could result in serious accidents that might injure or kill other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians.
Impact of speeding
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, incidents of speeding increased by 22% in cities in 2020. Officials believe that speeding was the primary cause of many of the accidents that were reported. While commercial drivers and trucking carriers might think that speeding might allow drivers to reach their destinations faster and potentially be able to transport an additional load during their shifts, the downsides of speeding are numerous. Speeding causes trucks to burn more fuel, increasing fuel costs and decreasing the vehicle’s efficiency. It also causes tires to wear faster. The National Safety Council reports that preliminary data shows that accidents increased by 24% in 2020.
Speeding by truck drivers
Truck drivers who speed place others around them at a heightened risk of serious injuries or deaths. When they speed, it is much more difficult for them to stop the truck in time to avoid an accident. Trucks require a much greater breaking distance to come to complete stops than passenger vehicles do. If the driver is going faster than the speed limit, they might not be able to stop in time to prevent an accident when traffic has slowed or could lose control of the truck.
Truck drivers should obey the traffic laws and remember that their trucks can pose a serious risk of injury or death when they are involved in accidents. People who have sustained serious injuries or have lost loved ones in accidents involving speeding trucks might want to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
