As you know, operating an overweight truck is very dangerous. So much so, it has caused many accidents within the past year. Due to such tragedies, families and survivors of trucks crashes joined the Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) a couple weeks ago for the Sorrow to Strength conference. The event included meetings with members of Congress and U.S. Dept. of Transportation officials. These discussions worked to promote the group’s truck safety agenda.
The safety advocates established more support for the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act (SHIPA), sponsored by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Rep. James McGovern (D-MA). If the bill were to pass, it would freeze current federal truck size and weight limits. This could in turn end the operation of overweight trucks as well as enforce and ensure accountability.
A national poll conducted by Lake Research Partners revealed to conference goers the positive support for truck weight limitations:
- 68% opposed heavier trucks, with 47% strongly opposed.
- 88% of Americans did not want to pay higher taxes for the damage caused by heavier trucks with 75% strongly opposed.
In addition, TSC released a report ranking the states on truck crash fatalities for 2011. The top 10 worst states in order were: North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, New Mexico, Kansas, Indiana, and Alabama.
Do any of your truckers drive through these states? As a transportation company, you are responsible for the safety and the outcome of each delivery made. If you are sending out trucks that are overweight, you are putting your vehicles, employees, cargo, and others in lots of danger.
At Wolpert Insurance, we hope you understand how important it is to follow weight laws and regulations. You must make sure each and every commercial vehicle meets their required weight. If they are overweight, this could cause the vehicle to take longer to brake, making it more prone to a roll over in a crash and cause damage to roads and others due to the heaviness.
Don’t leave your drivers or business exposed to risks you can control. Your trucking company requires specialized insurance and we can offer these solutions to you. There are many unique dangers, hazards, and mishaps you could face out on the road. We can help you find the appropriate plan to match your distinct needs. Get the protection you deserve with our fleet insurance by contacting us at 888.596.5344 today!