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Posted On: August 4, 2009 by Kenneth L. Christensen

Semi Truck Braking Systems and Tractor Trailer Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued new braking standards for tractor-trailers on July 24, 2009. These new standards will improve the stopping distance for large trucks by 30%, requiring large trucks traveling at 60 mph to come to a complete stop in 250 feed. The old braking standard demanded trucks stop within 355 feet. The NHTSA estimates that the new requirement will save roughly 230 lives and prevent 300 serious injuries annually. In addition, the new braking standard should reduce property damage costs by $169 million each year. The new standard will begin with 2012 models and only applies to truck tractors. Single-unit trucks, trailers, and buses are not included in the new regulation.

Did you know that a commercial truck weighing 80,000 pounds can do as much damage as 9,600 cars? Even scarier is the frequency of semi-truck accidents. In the United States, large truck crashes kill or injures someone every 16 minutes. Hopefully, this new braking standard will help reduce the frequency of Utah semi-truck accidents. For more information on large truck accident statistics, read the article “Commercial Motor Vehicle Facts” in the Christensen Law Firm’s online library. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah semi truck accident, contact the experienced Salt Lake City, Utah injury lawyers of the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation at 801.506.0800.

Posted by Kenneth L. Christensen | | Email This Post

Posted In: Large Truck Accidents , Large Truck Accidents , Semi-Truck Accidents , Tractor Trailer Accident

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