It's not uncommon to find yourself on the road or highway with a large commercial truck speeding up behind you? Looking in your rear view mirror and seeing a large rig coming closer and closer, can frighten even the most experienced driver. As a Chicago truck accident lawyer, I know that some of these trucks can weigh over 80,000 pounds. Imagine the damage when you combine speed and weight. Unfortunately, the result from a semitruck crash could be catastrophic. Many motorists wonder, why? What's the rush?

The majority of truck drivers are paid by the mile or by the load. The truth is the faster they can deliver the load, the more money they can make. Having these massive pieces of machinery traveling at high rates of speed puts everyone on the road at risk. We have all seen these great big rigs barreling down the highway. Imagine if one had to stop suddenly? Even the most experienced truck drivers will have some challenges trying to safely maneuver a truck to a stop at a high rate of speed. As a Chicago truck injury lawyer, it amazes me that The United States is the only ‘First World' country that does not have mandated speed governors or limiter settings on heavy commercial vehicles. If we can enforce rules that reduce the speed of big rigs, we can save lives. Many trucking companies utilize the pay-by-the-mile formula. This is an inducement drive fast and long distances.

Many feel that the mandate of electronic speed governors may stop this practice. Speed governors have been standard equipment on all tractor trailer trucks manufactured since 1992. They key is that not all have been activated. According to companies that use the speed governors, they feel that trucks are safer and more profitable. Traveling at slower speeds they can reduce fuel cost. Tires, brakes and other equipment can last longer, due to less wear and tear. The trucking companies can reduce their overall liability costs. Imagine trying to stop a fully loaded commercial truck in a split second? Studies have shown that a fully loaded semi truck takes at least three times the distance to stop than a light loaded truck. The speed of the truck is also a contributing factor. Studies have shown that it takes a fully loaded commercial 18 wheeler three times longer to stop.

Many trucking companies utilize the pay-by-the-mile formula. This is an inducement drive fast and long distances. The mandate of Electronic on-board speed governors may stop this practice. Since 1992, these devises have been standard equipment on all tractor trailer trucks. They key is that not all have been activated. According to Chicago truck accident lawyer David Nemeroff, truck drivers traveling at high rates of speed can be dangerous because due to a variety of factors. Increased momentum can increase the force of the impact between the truck and another vehicle, causing serious injuries. The speed can also cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. Traveling at high rates of speed many limit the driver's reaction time. One of the most significant, being the inability to safely come to a stop.

Regardless of the reason why the driver sped, an accident with a speeding commercial truck can be catastrophic. A number of serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, organ damage and paralysis can rely alter one's life.

Let's work together, toward the goal of having safer drivers in safer vehicles on safer roads, thus reducing the number of tragic deaths and catastrophic injuries on our highways.