Proposed Law Would Allow Heavier Trucks

June 04, 2011

If passed into law, a new bill currently working its way through the U.S. Senate would increase the weight and size limits for commercial trucks on American roads. While many in the trucking industry have been vocal supporters, the legislation raises some serious concerns.

Details of the Bill

Senate Bill 747 ("S. 747"), named the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2011, proposes an end to the federal moratorium on modification of current size and weight standards for commercial trucks. Today, semi size on most interstate highways is capped at 80,000 pounds with 5 axles. The new law would increase the maximum weight to 97,000 pounds, granting trucks with an added axle the option to take on extra cargo.

Individual states may set their own weight restrictions on large rigs, and many states already allow loads of up to 85,000 pounds within their borders. This federal legislation would give states the ability to opt in to a uniform standard for heavier trucks.

Pros and Cons

Supporters of S. 747 label it a green initiative that would help reduce traffic congestion by lowering the number of vehicles on the road. Bigger trucks, they say, mean fewer vehicles would be necessary to transport the same amount of material. In addition, one study from the American Transportation Research Institute found a truck operating at the increased limit is 17 percent more efficient in terms of fuel expended per ton of cargo hauled.

However, not everyone is so thrilled with S. 747. For one thing, trucks with higher weights put added stress on roads, meaning a higher burden on local taxpayers for repairs. Some roads and bridges are also not currently equipped to handle the increased loads, and would require extensive repairs or replacement.

More importantly, bigger trucks create a more serious danger to other drivers. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the fatal crash rate in truck accidents is almost 40 percent higher than for cars. Law enforcement groups have almost uniformly opposed increasing truck weight limits, and truckers themselves admit that added cargo make semis harder to control. Even if the modest fuel savings promised by supporter of S. 747 were realized, it is hardly worth the safety risk to other drivers.

If You Have Been Injured

Semis and other large commercial vehicles, regardless of size, present a real safety threat to other drivers that increases in proportion to vehicle mass. If you or a loved one was involved in a trucking accident, contact a personal injury attorney today to explore your legal options.

Article provided by Joyce & Bittner
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