Every 16 minutes in the United States, a large truck is involved in a crash that changes someone’s life forever. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks were involved in 5,788 fatal crashes in 2023, with over 159,000 injury crashes reported nationwide. As experienced truck crash attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how loss of control in large trucks can create dangerous situations on our highways. When these massive vehicles, weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, struggle to maintain their speed, it affects everyone on the road – from the truck drivers themselves to families just trying to get home safely. Understanding when large trucks are most likely to lose speed is important for ensuring road safety.
Why Do Large Trucks Lose Speed?
When you’re driving on highways, you might notice large trucks struggling with speed, especially on inclines or in challenging conditions. Through our years of investigating truck crashes, we’ve found several key factors that contribute to this issue:
- Engines straining under heavy cargo loads, particularly when carrying maximum weight capacity of 80,000 pounds on interstate highways
- Steep inclines and challenging terrain that test a truck’s capabilities, with some mountain grades requiring speeds as low as 35 mph for safety
- Harsh weather conditions that impact performance, including high winds, rain, snow, and ice that can reduce traction and control
- Mechanical issues that should have been addressed during maintenance, such as brake system failures, transmission problems, or engine performance issues
- Aerodynamic drag, which increases exponentially with speed and can significantly impact fuel efficiency and vehicle control
- Tire conditions and pressure variations that affect rolling resistance and overall performance
The Ripple Effect on Road Safety
We’ve seen how a slowing truck can create a cascade of dangerous situations. When a large truck loses momentum, particularly on busy highways, it doesn’t just affect the truck – it impacts everyone sharing the road. The consequences can be severe:
- Traffic bottlenecks that create frustration and risk, often leading to sudden speed variations in traffic flow
- Increased danger of rear-end collisions, especially when visibility is compromised or during sudden slowdowns
- Hazardous situations when vehicles change lanes to pass, particularly in areas with limited visibility or narrow shoulders
- Disrupted traffic patterns that can lead to crashes, including sudden lane changes and aggressive driving behaviors
- Increased risk of jackknifing when braking suddenly on downgrades
- Secondary crashes caused by other drivers’ reactions to unexpected truck speed changes
In our experience handling these cases, proper documentation and evidence collection are vital when investigating truck crashes, which often occur when a truck loses speed unintentionally. These details often reveal important patterns that could prevent future incidents. Learn more about trucking accidents in our video below:
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The Loss of Speed and Impact on All Drivers
We’ve witnessed how speed loss situations can create significant stress and safety risks for everyone involved. The effects ripple through the entire transportation system, leading to:
- For truck drivers, it means longer hours behind the wheel and increased fatigue, potentially exceeding federally mandated hours-of-service regulations
- For other motorists, it creates unexpected delays and dangerous driving conditions, requiring increased vigilance and defensive driving techniques
- Economic impacts from delayed deliveries and increased fuel consumption
- Environmental concerns due to increased emissions from acceleration and deceleration cycles
Finding Solutions For Truck Speed Loss Together
We have discussed the question, “When are large trucks most likely to lose speed?”, but what about the solutions to this issue? We’ve learned that preventing these situations requires a comprehensive approach. We advocate for several key safety measures:
Ensuring that regular maintenance checks are completed – they catch potential problems before they lead to speed loss situations. This includes thorough inspections of brake systems, engine performance, and tire conditions. Smart route planning helps avoid challenging terrain by utilizing advanced GPS systems designed for commercial vehicles.
Proper driver training (including ongoing training) ensures everyone knows how to handle these situations safely, including specific techniques for managing speed on grades and in adverse conditions. Most importantly, we believe in the power of awareness and preparation. Modern technology solutions like adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can help prevent speed-related incidents before they occur.
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Moving Forward Safely
Understanding truck speed loss isn’t just about knowing what causes it – it’s about working together to prevent crashes and keep our roads safe. At Cooper Elliott, we’re committed to helping both truck drivers and other motorists navigate these challenges safely. If you’ve been affected by an accident involving truck speed loss and you are seeking damages, we’re here to help you understand your rights and options. Our team stays current with the latest safety regulations and technology developments to provide the most effective representation for our clients.
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