The U.S. Congress is considering a bill that would allow the limit on tractor-trailer weight to rise from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds. The bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Michael Michaud and known as the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act.
If passed, the bill would allow individual states to increase their interstate vehicle weight limit to 97,000 pounds for any truck with a sixth axle. Supporters of the bill state that the required sixth axle would help the heavier trucks stop within the same distance and would distribute the additional weight more evenly over the truck’s tires. The bill also includes a separate fee for the sixth axle, which would be used to fund interstate bridge repairs.
Supporters claim that raising the weight limit to 97,000 pounds can be done safely and would decrease the need for additional trucks on the country’s interstates. However, opponents believe that the additional weight cannot be made safe. Opponents also point out that many U.S. bridges and highways are not built to support heavier trucks. There is also concern about the cost of updating these bridges and highways and about the safety of drivers who share these stretches of road with heavier trucks.
Truck accidents threaten the lives of hundreds of U.S. citizens each year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri truck accident, consider contacting the experienced Missouri tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Page Law. Our attorneys will review the details of your case and stand by you in the fight to get you just compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. If you’ve had an accident involving a truck, don’t hesitate to call Page Law at (314) 322-8515 today for a free consultation.
Source:http://bulktransporter.com/fleet/trucks/transportation_coalition_presses_congress0701/
