The most dangerous of all situations on the highway is being caught in congested traffic running at or above the designated speed limit. And it is even more dangerous when semi-tractor-trailer rigs are intermingled among the vehicles. Traffic density is not necessarily a scenario that the California Department of Transportation considers when setting speed limits either. However, 2021 may be the year this policy ends with the focus on speeding during the July truck driver safety awareness period.

Copycat speeding

California truck accident attorneys understand well that another problem on the highway is that the typical driver on the open road assumes the speed limit can be broken up to 5 miles per hour or so when in transit. This often results in even congested traffic flow being generally above the designated limit on the open highway. Truckers contribute significantly to the dilemma because standard vehicle drivers think they can also violate the limit.

Why truck drivers exceed the limit

Truck drivers all consider the time it takes to make a run, and many times are given bonuses for early arrival. In addition, they must shut down at certain intervals when their driving shift is scheduled to end, often rushing to a truck stop. And this does not even include being in a rush to get home at the end of a trip. Time equals money for most drivers and their employing trucking companies, and they equate running at top speed with maximizing profits. The result is a significant increase in the number of truck accidents associated with speeding.

It is important for all drivers to be very aware of when a commercial truck is in close proximity. Maintaining the speed limit and making good driving decisions to get away from them is always the best action.