Texan Autobahn? New 85 Mile-Per-Hour Toll Road Now Open in Austin

December 18, 2012 (Press-News.org) Texas now has the fastest section of highway in the United States. The speed limit on a new toll road connecting Austin and San Antonio, State Highway 130, is now 85 miles per hour for those who want to avoid the traffic and congestion of Interstate 35. The new stretch will be the U.S. road most comparable to the German autobahn. While the autobahn has no general speed limit, it still has an advisory limit five miles below that of 130.

Construction of the toll road complied with Texas Department of Transportation specifications after the higher state speed limit was given the green light by Texas lawmakers. Electronic signs will warn motorists that the left lane is only for passing. The company will also monitor the roadway to make sure that the increase in speed does not result in a disproportionate number of motor vehicle accidents.

Highways in Texas already move fast. Others across the state have posted speed limits of 75 and 80 miles per hour. When serious weather blows in, the chance for accidents increases when drivers do not slow down.

Weather, speed and increased potential for accidents

Following the Thanksgiving massive pile up on the Interstate 10 in Southeast Texas, some have raised questions about speed. Fog contributed to the 140-car pile-up accident. However, many reports surfaced of cars cruising along at 70 miles per hour in pea soup fog that reduced almost all visibility.

When the weather conditions deteriorate even a small mistake at such high speeds can cause a serious crash. Many drivers reduce their speeds during inclement weather, yet others do not feel the need. This can make for a dangerous situation. A faster moving truck can overtake a smaller, slower moving vehicle quickly. Depending on the size of the vehicle, it may be impossible to stop fast enough to avoid a collision.

Texas authorities confirmed that the trucking accident near Beaumont started when a semi-truck hit a SUV. Big rigs can travel up to 80 miles per hour on Texas roads. Most other states restrict truck drivers to 65 miles per hour, or even 55 m.p.h. in California. Following the recent accident, some safety advocates mentioned that it might be a good idea if semi trucks had slower speed limits similar to other states.

The lesson may be to pay attention when using the higher speed roadways and slow down, as weather requires. In situations where the negligent conduct of another driver causes an accident, remedies are available. If you or a family member has been injured in an auto wreck, contact a local personal injury attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation for injuries suffered.

Article provided by The Carlson Law Firm PC
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