The size and weight of a commercial tractor trailer can make stopping one of these vehicles difficult in an emergency situation. In fact, data shows it can take a fully loaded big rig traveling 65 mph the length of a football field to come to a complete stop.
Considering this data, the Indianapolis truck accident lawyers at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys say lawmakers are currently considering regulation reforms that would allow longer and bigger trucks to take to the road.
According to USA Today, current laws call for trucks to only haul trailers that are as long as 53 feet. Under the new regulations, trucking companies would be allowed to pull tandem 33-foot trailers, which adds significant length and mass to the vehicle.
Trucking companies say it would create a more efficient means to move the goods Americans use, but opponents of the changes believe the longer, heavier trucks will compromise the safety of everyone on the road.
Lawmakers are expected to make a decision on the matter during one of the next upcoming legislative sessions.
At Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, we believe in advocating for highway safety and supporting measures that protect the public from harm. Our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys hope lawmakers consider all of the data available before making a decision that could affect public safety on our roads.