Accidents with Speeding Truck Drivers

Speeding Truck Drivers

Were you injured in an accident caused by a trucker driving too fast? Speeding truck drivers are a consistent reason for trucking accidents across the country. Their decision to disobey the law and drive too fast is negligence, and it may make the trucker and their employer responsible for compensating you for your injuries.

If you are suffering because of a speed-related truck accident, contact the Ohio truck accident lawyers of Kisling, Nestico & Redick as soon as possible at 1-800-HURT-NOW.

Speeding Truck Drivers Present a Serious Crash Risk

When any type of vehicle moves too fast, it becomes more difficult to stop in time to avoid a collision. It is also harder to recognize potential hazards or to control the vehicle.

Driving too fast on certain types of roads or rough pavement conditions can be dangerous. Similarly, exceeding a speed that is lower than the speed limit may be dangerous in congested traffic or dangerous weather.

When truck drivers move faster than they should, the risk of a crash increases exponentially. Trucks are already harder to stop. They can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which means they are consistently being pushed forward. Heavy vehicles need considerable distances to slow down due to this momentum. Speeding truck drivers greatly increase the chance that they cannot stop in time to avoid hitting another vehicle.

Speeding and Ohio Law

According to Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.21, no one is allowed to operate a vehicle at a speed greater or less than what is reasonable and proper in regard to traffic, surface, and width of the road, and any other conditions.

No one is allowed to operate a vehicle on a road at a speed greater than will permit them to stop with a clear distance ahead. Also, it is illegal for anyone to exceed the speed limitation posted in the area.

Ohio law defines appropriate speed limits for different types of areas when a maximum speed is not posted. Truckers need to be aware of these rules to ensure they are not violating the law or putting others on the road in danger.

Speed limits in Ohio include:

• Alleyways within municipalities are 15 mph
• School zones are 20 mph
• Municipalities except for state routes, highways, and alleys are 25 mph
• State routes and highways within municipalities are 35 mph
• State routes, highways, and expressways within municipalities are 50 mph
• Highways and expressways outside of municipalities are 55 mph
• Freeways with paved shoulders inside municipalities are 55 mph
• Freeways outside of municipalities are 55 mph
• Two-land routes outside of municipalities are 60 mph
• Rural divided highways are 60 mph
• Rural expressways without traffic signals are 65 mpg
• Rural freeways are 70 mpg

These speed limits offer an appropriate speed during good weather and light to moderate traffic. Truckers are still required to move at a speed that is safe for the road, traffic, and weather conditions at the time.

They can be ticketed for moving under these speed limits if there are issues with the road, a construction zone, heavy traffic, poor weather, or other conditions that require operating at a slower pace.