You may be seeing more and more logging trucks on Mississippi highways due to recent legislation that has passed. The logging industry in Mississippi is a $13 billion industry, and this booming facet of the economy used to be contained to county and state roads when they traveled and hauled logs across the state.
Recently, new legislation has been passed that allows 88,000-pound trucks to haul logs across the state, utilizing highways. While this is an incredible win for the logging industry, it has already started putting lives at risk with more trucking accidents.
A Recent Tragedy: The Dangers of Log Fires
Tuesday morning at 5:00 A.M., everyone starts waking up for their day and heading to work when a logging truck on the highway blows a tire and catches on fire. The blaze lasted for an hour, catching the truck on fire and leaving the massive load of logs burnt to a crisp. Traffic was at a complete standstill and backed up for hours. Firefighters controlled the fire, and thankfully, no injuries were reported in this instance.
Increased Dangers of Logging Truck Accidents
It’s not uncommon to see accidents with semi-trucks that leave devastation in the aftermath. Still, logging trucks that are now allowed on the highways in Mississippi will have these heavy loads traveling at high speeds, leaving smaller passenger cars vulnerable. Logging trucks are some of the heaviest vehicles on the road, and their unique challenges with hauling logs can increase their likelihood of being involved in an accident.
Potential dangers associated with logging trucks include:
- Large blind spots
- Unsecure logs
- Fire Hazards
- Driver error
- Unsafe road conditions
While new laws and regulations have opened up the industry and allowed truck drivers to take safer roads, it also increases the risk of devastating accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a logging truck accident caused by someone’s negligence, contact Richard Schwartz & Associates to seek compensation and justice for the pain and suffering your family has been through.
The Impact of New Federal Truck Weight Limits
Staying on top of the latest regulations surrounding federal truck weight limits is not only essential for the industries that they impact, but also the surrounding communities that they involve. Efficient transportation is the backbone of the commercial industries of our nation, and allowing logging trucks to travel through the state on major highways can have positive and negative impacts.
Increased Weight & Increased Risk: Trucking accidents are always dangerous due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicle. That risk increases when it comes to logging trucks as the weight and size of the truck are considered.
Truck Driver Safety: This new legislation allows truck drivers to utilize safer roads, such as adequately lit and maintained highways, when working long days and nights.
Environmentally Friendly: Some of the most positive impacts of these changes are environmental. Allowing the logging trucks to have more efficient routes with heavier loads and to utilize state highways will result in fewer trips, slash fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions, and the wear and tear that small country roads endure.
Enforcing Safety Regulations: While the potential risks and benefits are weighed, the logistics of ensuring that the truck drivers and logging companies are doing everything possible to mitigate highway risks and accidents is crucial. Inspections, maintenance, and any safety equipment must be utilized and enforced.
This change in transportation was approved in a comprehensive six-bill package, and as the industry adapts to the change all drivers on the road need to as well.
Protecting Yourself on the Road
While these logging trucks are logging miles on the highways, drivers in small passenger cars can be left vulnerable to more truck accidents and the risks that logging trucks bring. There are ways that you can protect yourself on the road to help prevent an accident; such as:
- Keep a safe distance
- Be aware of potential overhang from tree trunks that are not flagged
- Drive defensively
If you and your loved ones are traveling on the highways with these trucks, you need to be aware of your rights when it comes to an accident involving a logging truck.
If You've Been Involved in a Logging Truck Accident
Logging trucks and their accidents have the potential to cause life-threatening injuries, extensive property damage, and lasting trauma for those involved. While these new regulations can benefit the state, more trucks on the highway statistically increase the potential for accidents. Holding the parties responsible for your injuries doesn’t just serve you justice and the compensation you need while trying to recover; it also holds them accountable. Contact Richard Swartz & Associates today to work with a reliable and experienced legal team to ensure you are fully compensated for all you lost in a logging truck accident.
