A few years ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] issued new braking standards for commercial truck tractors, requiring that a tractor-trailer traveling at 60 mph must come to a complete stop in 250 feet; the old standard was 355 feet- a reduction in truck stopping distance of approximately 30%. This new regulation is being phased in, beginning with certain 2012 models.
Significantly, this new rule applies to truck tractors and does not impact single-unit trucks, trailers or buses. As mechanical and engineering technology continues to improve, standards relating to the equipment applying that technology continues to change to reflect these technological improvements.
The above is just one example of how accidents involving tractor trailers may differ from their automobile accident “cousins”. These trucking safety regulations can be critical in handling a truck case and a violation may be admissible as evidence of negligence in the case.
Consult an experienced tort attorney if involved in this type of case. Happy New Year to all !!