In a recent announcement, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have proposed a new rule that would mandate heavy duty trucks be installed with devices that would cap their maximum speeds on U.S. highways.

This proposed safety measure could nearly 500 lives per year, along with more than $1 billion in fuel costs.

The newly proposed rule would go into effect on newly manufactured buses and trucks with a gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds. While the maximum speed has yet to be determined, speeds of 60, 65 and 68 miles per hour have been discussed.

Transport trucks and large semi-trucks play an important role in transporting goods throughout the country. Unfortunately, truck accidents are often the most devastating type of accidents.

Safety Tips for Sharing the Road with Trucks

It is important that motorists are aware of how to safely share the road with trucks. The following are three tips:

Allow extra passing space – When passing a large vehicle, passenger car drivers should never pass a large truck from the right lane. Due to extensive blind spots, large truck drivers cannot see smaller vehicles. Therefore, do not remain in a truck’s blind spot and pass quickly and safely before entering the right lane.

Stay out of “No Zones” – Large blind spots on trucks are called “no zones” and they extend from the back of the truck for 30 feet, from the front for 20 feet and on each side. If you cannot see the truck driver in your car’s mirror, assume the driver cannot see you. Get out of the blind spot as quickly as possible.

Cutting off trucks – Trucks need more room to turn and stop. It is always a bad idea to cut off any vehicle. However, heavy duty trucks need even more stopping room and up to 40 percent more time to stop. Do not get too close when riding behind a truck and give the truck drivers extra space to maneuver.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident with a truck, contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at the law offices of Goldberg Finnegan today to set up your free legal consultation. We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.