Accidents involving commercial trucks or buses are among the most dangerous a driver can be involved in. Their sheer size makes these vehicles capable of doing serious damage to anyone around them.

That is why two Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies are fighting to set a truck driver speed cap.

What is the proposed speed cap?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have created a new plan that would equip all commercial trucks and other heavy duty vehicles with devices designed to limit their speeds.

The plan would set maximum speed restrictions for all large trucks on roads in the United States.

The two agencies believe these restrictions could save the lives of 27 to 498 American drivers every year, depending on which speed maximum they choose.

How fast would the driver be able to go?

While the agencies have not yet determined a specific maximum speed, they have considered 60, 65 and 68 mph.

And though the agencies have not decided on the speed limit, one thing they have agreed on is that the plan would save more than $1 billion in fuel costs every year.

It is important to note that the NHTSA has reported that these speed-limiting devices will only be in place on “newly manufactured trucks.”

According to the agency, it would be far too costly to equip such a device on the millions of older vehicles that are already driving on U.S. roads today.

Currently, the two agencies have put a 60-day waiting period on deciding whether to enforce the plan or not, while they hear comments from the public.

How does the public feel?

Thus far, feedback has been mixed, with many American drivers on board for the speed limiting device, and many truck drivers against the proposed change.

A common worry among truck drivers is that such a cap could lead to even more dangerous situations if they are unable to keep up with the speeds of traffic around them.

This could be true, as five of the interstates west of the Mississippi allow speed limits up to 80 mph.

With truck drivers being forced to go anywhere from 12 to 20 miles under that limit, it could lead to backed up traffic or more accidents with drivers trying to move around the slower vehicles.

No matter what the agencies decide, one thing will remain true — that truck accidents are arguably the deadliest types of accidents American drivers face.

That is why it is important if you or a loved one is involved in a trucking accident that you get the right team of personal injury lawyers to help settle your case.

For drivers in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas, Coffey McPharlin can give you the help and support you need when dealing with a traumatic trucking accident.

We only handle a small number of complex claims at any given time, so we can give your case the time and attention you deserve. And that means, we will have a better shot at getting you a fair recovery for you physical, mental, and financial hardships.

So don’t let an injury from a trucking accident ruin your life. Call a team of attorneys that can get you back on your feet. Contact Coffey McPharlin now at 954-541-3194.