Traffic fatalities in Illinois have been falling in recent years. The number of fatalities from all traffic crashes fell to 911 in 2009 from 1,363 in 2005. The number of trucking accident related fatalities also decreased to 88 in 2009 from 191 in 2005. Nationally semi-truck and tractor-trailers still account for 7 percent of the vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
While not specifically addressing highway safety, a new trucking law was recently signed into law that clarifies and standardizes enforcement language for truck weight and size.
The features of the new law are:
- An increase of the maximum tractor-trailer weight to 80,000 pounds, which is the current federal standard. The weight limit does not include auxiliary power unit which are used to the sleeper berth while the truck is parked and the engine is turned off to conserve fuel.
- A uniform 65 mile-per-hour speed limit on four-lane highways outside the Chicago area on January 1, 2012.
- The new law also allows use of a dual semi-trailer hitch that uses a single pivot point.
The new laws were prompted by a State Police Trooper Lance Bonney who had concerns that the truck laws needed to be clarified to aid enforcement. The bill was a cooperative effort between legislators, the Illinois State Police and the trucking industry.
Governor Quinn explained that the new laws will bring additional jobs to Illinois. Currently 330,000 people are employed in the trucking industry and one out of 15 jobs relies on trucking, according to the Illinois Trucking Association.
However, the simplification of the weight limit rules will allow heavier trucks on Illinois roads, which could increase the occurrence and severity of traffic accidents. The uniform speed limit change will also allow trucks to drive faster in some areas.
Because tractor-trailers are so heavy, accidents with them are likely to cause serious injuries. If you have been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, contact an attorney with experience representing individuals and families in tractor-trailer crash accidents.
