How Fast Can Commercial Trucks Safely Travel on Highways in Jacksonville?
Given the size of commercial trucks, it is important that truck drivers travel at safe speeds on highways. A commercial truck traveling at an unsafe speed can lead to catastrophic collisions and injuries.
Safe speeds often differ from speed limits because speed limits are determined based on the best conditions. If the weather is bad, road conditions are poor, or visibility is low, commercial trucks likely cannot travel safely at the posted speed limit.
All drivers, including truck drivers, should drive with caution and adjust their speed according to the weather, the road conditions, and the level of visibility.
Common Types of Accidents a Speeding Truck Can Cause
The following are the types of accidents that a speeding commercial truck can cause:
- Rollover accidents
- Wide turn accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Truck tire blowouts
- Rear-end crashes
- Head-on collisions
A commercial truck driver’s ability to avoid an accident largely depends on maintaining a safe speed and being mindful of the weather and road conditions.
What Are the Speed Limits in Jacksonville?
The Florida Department of Transportation sets speed limits on state highways. The maximum speed limits are 70 mph on interstates, 65 mph for four-lane divided highways, and 60 mph on other state highways.
A commercial truck should never exceed 70 mph. Florida also has an unlawful speed statute that prohibits any driver from driving at a speed that is greater than reasonable and prudent under the conditions.
When Should a Commercial Truck Slow Down?
A commercial truck driver should not exceed the posted speed limit. However, drivers may sometimes need to drive below the speed limit for safety reasons.
The following are examples of conditions that require a commercial truck driver to reduce their speed:
- Bad weather conditions: Truck drivers should be mindful of changes in the weather, including rain and strong winds.
- Poor road conditions: Roads can be particularly slippery when it begins to rain, and drivers should reduce their speed if roads are wet.
- Entering a curve: Curves can be even more dangerous for trucks that are speeding and lead to rollover accidents.
- Entering an exit ramp or entrance ramp: Trucks will need to enter exit and entrance ramps at a slower speed than the posted speed limit for cars.
- The trailer is fully loaded: A sudden speed adjustment with a loaded trailer can lead to a rollover.
- Entering a work zone: Truck drivers should prepare to slow down and move into the correct lane in a work zone.
Traffic, hills, mechanical issues, high pedestrian traffic, and intersections may also require truck drivers to reduce their speed. If a truck driver fails to slow down in response to the conditions of the road, they are driving too fast.
What Should I Do After a Jacksonville Truck Accident?
If you are in an accident involving a commercial truck, it can cause catastrophic injuries and substantial property damage. You should go to the emergency room or see a doctor immediately following a truck accident.
If you are able to, you should also take pictures and videos of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage. It is important to exchange insurance information and note the trucking company name and the license plate number.
Following the accident, the trucking company and its insurer will investigate the incident. You should not speak to an insurance adjuster or provide a recorded statement until after contacting an experienced Jacksonville truck accident lawyer.
An attorney will conduct an investigation into what occurred, handle communications with the other parties, and advocate for you. If you are injured in a truck accident in Jacksonville, FL, an attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Jacksonville Truck Accident Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra truck accident law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W. Forsyth St. #170
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167