Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a rule for large truck drivers. The rule establishes new standards for braking distances and improves the stopping distance for truck drivers by 30 percent. This is good news for frequent highway drivers who may feel hesitant near 18-wheeler truck drivers.
The old standard stopping distance for large trucks was 355 feet, meaning that truck drivers had that much distance to stop during regular traffic. The new rule revises the distance and decreases it to 250 feet, causing drivers to be more aware of the surrounding congestion and to be mindful of smaller cars on the roadway. According to the press release issued by the NHTSA, this new rule estimates that over 200 lives will be saved annually and numerous serious injuries will also be prevented. Not only will injury crashes reduce, but property damage costs will also decrease following the new rules. The new rule applies only to larger trucks, not single-unit trucks, trailers and buses and will be phased in over the next few years.
As a Douglasville, Georgia injury attorney, I have handled numerous car accidents over the years that involved 18-wheelers. If you or someone you know has been hurt in a car wreck involving a large truck, please call my office for a free consultation. We are located directly across the street from the Douglas County Courthouse on Hospital Drive.
