A commercial semi truck driver must maintain a proper speed at all times. Determining a safe speed for a heavy vehicle depends on many critical factors.
Proper speed factors for semi trucks:
- Traffic conditions;
- Road conditions and construction;
- Weather conditions, especially rain, snow or ice;
- Visibility that may be affected by weather and precipitation, sun glare, or the condition of the truck.
- The skill and experience of the truck driver;
- The load weight and type, and the load safety;
- The Posted Speed Limit and traffic flow; and
- The shape of the road itself, including curves and grades.
Speed control means operating at the proper speed for all road and traffic conditions.
A proper speed allows for the driver to control and stop their truck. Failure to travel at a safe speed all to often leads to a tragedy. We have all seen trucks racing by passenger vehicles at speeds too high for the traffic and road conditions.
Good training is necessary for truck drivers, and many times training is lacking. Always be on the look out for speeding trucks that may pose a danger to you and your family.
Are speed limiters in heavy trucks really a good idea?
A truck crash injury lawyer makes a case against (and for) truck speed limiters
IIHS: Truck speed limiters will save lives
The Insurance Institutes for Highway Safety have long recommended rules and action on mandatory semi truck speed limiters.
