Proposed Size and Weight Limit Increases for Commercial Trucks Sparks Debate

April 17, 2015 | By William Mattar, P.C.
Proposed Size and Weight Limit Increases for Commercial Trucks Sparks Debate

Large, more massive vehicles exude more force during a crash than smaller, lighter vehicles. Despite these risks, the New York truck accident lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices explain that lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow larger commercial tractor-trailers on the road. The matter has now sparked a public debate. An article from The New York Times explains the legislation overseeing the renewal of the Highway Trust Fund expires next month, and now the trucking industry is hoping to insert language into the law that would allow trucks as long as 33 feet on the road without special permits. The current limit is 28 feet. With the length extensions would come an increase in weight limits as well. Law enforcement officials have gone before Congress to oppose the legislation, saying bigger trucks will only put motorists at an increased risk of serious accidents. Trucking industry officials argue the increases would allow fewer trucks on the road and cited a study showing longer trucks are more stable than shorter models. At William Mattar Law Offices, our Buffalo personal injury lawyers are hopeful lawmakers will determine and implement what they determine to be the safest measure for everyone on the road.