Dangers of Speeding Semi Trucks

One main cause of semi truck accidents occurs from trucks speeding. Unfortunately, the main incentive for many semi truck drivers is to get to their destinations as quickly as possible.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that truck tires are built to travel at speeds up to 75 mph. When a truck driver chooses to exceed 75 mph it can be dangerous. In addition, the weight that some semi trucks are pulling only increases the danger. Semi trucks can weigh up to 20 to 30 times as much as a small passenger vehicle. It should come to no surprise then that a speeding semi truck poses the following dangers. Here is why a speeding semi truck is dangerous for everyone on the road.

Dangers of Speeding Semi Trucks

1. Risk of rollover or jackknife. Semi trucks already have a higher center of gravity and therefore are at greater risk for rollover. Adding speed to the equation only increases the danger for rollovers. Jackknife accidents occur when the semi truck folds between the cab and the trailer. High speeds increase the risk of a jackknife accident for semi trucks.
2. Increased stopping distances required. The faster a vehicle is traveling and the more weight it is pulling the more distance that is required to stop.
3. Tires on a truck are not made for excessive speed. Truck tires are not built to sustain speeds of more than 75 mph.
4. Greater difficulty controlling the truck. Like any vehicle, a truck driver will have a greater time controlling the truck at higher speeds.

Semi Truck Accident Lawyer in Salem, OR

Contact the law office of Parke Gordon Law Firm if you have been involved in a semi truck accident. Our experienced, trusted and knowledgeable attorneys will fight to get you every penny you are owed. Semi truck companies are required by federal law to keep documents about their trucks and truck drivers for a period of time. Do not wait to hire a semi truck accident attorney. These are critical and timely documents that could help increase the compensation you receive from your semi truck accident. Contact the law office of Parke Gordon Law Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced semi truck accident lawyer.