No More Semi-Trucks in the Fast Lane?

Semi-trucks are required to carry thousands of pounds of freight and drive along lengthy stretches of highway in order to make it to their delivery locations on time. However, the speeds at which these heavy trucks are moving have been causing an increasing number of fatal accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2014, large trucks were involved in 3,744 crashes that resulted in fatalities and 88,000 crashes that resulted in injury.

Ohio’s Response

In response to these increasing numbers, Ohio legislators introduced House Bill 100 in March of 2015. While Ohio has regulations regarding how all vehicles on the road use the left and right lane, the law lacks sufficient coverage of when semi-trucks are to use the left lane. This bill would require semi-trucks that are carrying weight over 10,000 pounds to drive in the right hand lane on the highway when there are three or more lanes in the same direction. Exceptions are made for situations in which trucks are directed to use the left lane by police and highway transportation departments or when passing an obstruction. A violation of this proposed bill could cost semi-truck drivers up to $150 dollars for the first offense, with penalties getting more serious with continued violations. House Bill 100, if passed, would put Ohio’s practices in line with the other 44 states which have placed restrictions on semi-trucks left lane use as well as speed.

This bill was not only a response to the increase of accidents and the congestion that semi-trucks sometimes cause, it is also a way to regulate the speed at which some of these trucks are traveling. There has been concern regarding a semi-truck’s ability to maintain the speeds at which some states set for travel. Truck tires are not equipped to exceed 81 mph according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, however, some states allow trucks to go up to 80 miles an hour. Currently, semi-trucks driving in Ohio are subject to the same speed limits as those cars also on the road.

Have You Been Injured in a Truck Accident?

If you have a suffered injury in a trucking accident, it is in your best interests to contact a skilled legal professional immediately. The attorneys at Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC have over 40 years of experience and are eager to assist you throughout each step of your case.