Our neighbors to the east are considering adding traffic lanes solely for semis and large trucks. The study on this project currently focuses on a portion of Interstate 75 that runs between southern Atlanta and Macon.
Georgia is hoping to get ahead of problems due to increased cargo and passenger traffic on its roads by adding the truck-only lanes separated by a barrier from the other lanes. Would this idea be beneficial for other states as well?
There are multiple benefits to designating semi-only traffic lanes. In addition to the safety benefits of separating passenger vehicles from large commercial vehicles, designated lanes would likely reduce traffic congestion.
Semis vs. cars
In any accident, but especially those that occur at high speeds, passenger vehicles such as cars and motorcycles simply cannot compete with semis. The size and weight of these trucks can turn even a minor collision into a catastrophic accident for someone in a passenger vehicle.
In addition, semis are prone to numerous problems such as:
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
- Fatigued drivers
- Unsafe vehicles that don’t receive necessary maintenance
- Brake failures
- Tire blowouts
- Speeding
- Jackknifing
- Tipping and rolling
- Vehicle fires
If cars and motorcycles no longer had to share the road with semis, the number of these dangerous accidents would most certainly decrease.
Accidents between cars and semis are complex. The injuries are severe and the laws governing semis are more complicated than those governing passenger vehicles. If you have questions about a truck accident, speak with a lawyer.
