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Log InTruck safety groups worried about increased accidents from new truck law
Although legislation raising the weight limit for trucks allowed on the roads was passed by Congress to help the industry, some claim that this initiative has put motorists in more danger. Several advocacy groups in both Vermont and Maine have pointed out statistics that show more accidents have happened since the new law went into effect.
The Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) claims that the percentages of fatal commercial truck crashes have tripled in Vermont since last year when the law was passed to increase truck freight weight. In Maine, no accidents occurred among six-axle trucks from 2005-2009, but when the law passed, there were five fatal and non-fatal accidents in total involving big rigs.
"Congress is about to make a critical policy decision to turn this one-year, overweight truck weight exemption into a permanent one,” John Lannen, executive director of TSC, said in a statement. “In light of the additional deaths and revelations about dramatic increases in dangerous trucks on Vermont and Maine roads, Congress cannot morally allow this exemption to continue."
Truckers and fleet management owners should be aware that although revenue and financial success is important, pushing one’s limits while on the road may not be wise when hauling large amounts of freight.
Truck safety groups worried about increased accidents from new truck law
Friday, October 14th, 2011
Although legislation raising the weight limit for trucks allowed on the roads was passed by Congress to help the industry, some claim that this initiative has put motorists in more danger.
