Dangers of Large Trucks in the Fast Lane
Dangers of Large Trucks in the Fast Lane – Most of us have probably been in this situation during our commute: you’re traveling on the freeway in the far left lane (the fast lane), maintaining the speed limit when suddenly up ahead, a large semi-truck merges into your lane. This causes you to hit your brakes to adjust to a slower speed. While it’s frustrating to be stuck behind a slow-moving truck in the fast lane, it’s also dangerous and in some states, illegal.
Laws About Traveling in the Left Lane
There are restriction laws for left-lane usage for large trucks in fourteen states including California. On major highways and two-lane roads, the law states that the left lane should be reserved for drivers who are traveling faster than the flow of traffic in the right lane.
In some states, commercial trucks or slower vehicles are not allowed to drive in the left lane when there are three or more lanes. In other states, trucks are limited to using the left lane except to pass other slower vehicles.
California Truck Laws
Many commercial trucks and other large vehicles travel through the numerous highways in the Golden State. To help minimize car accidents and keep all motorists safe, California has put in several restrictions for large trucks.
- Truck drivers must use designated lanes.
- If there are no designated lanes, truckers must travel in the right-hand lane.
- If there are four or more lanes, truck drivers may use the second-to-right-hand lane.
- To pass, truck drivers must use the right lane, the second-to-right-hand lane or the designated lane.
The law applies to motor trucks, truck tractors trailing another vehicle and truck tractors with three or more axles.
Truck drivers who break the California law can put themselves and others in a potentially dangerous situation. They can also be fined up to $100 for the first offense, up to $200 for the second offense within one year and up to $250 for the third offense within a year.
The Dangers of Slow-Moving Vehicles in the Left Lane
Studies have shown that any sudden changes in a driver’s speed can cause traffic accidents when he or she is forced to slow down or change lanes. If a large truck merges into the left lane, it will slow down traffic and cause other drivers to change lanes to pass the truck by weaving in and out of traffic. This can increase the risk of a severe accident.
For this reason, California law doesn’t allow slow moving vehicles in the left lanes, which are usually reserved for passing. The law applies not only to large trucks but to all slow-moving vehicles, regardless of their size.
Dividing the vehicles based on speed can help increase the safety and effectiveness of the road.
Watch YouTube Video: Why You Shouldn’t Drive Slowly in the Left Lane. This informative video explains the dangers of slow drivers traveling in the left lane.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer. Violating California laws can result in significant consequences if you are involved in a traffic accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call me for free, friendly legal advice at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Photos by Markus Spiske temporausch.com from Pexels; Rhys Moult on Unsplash / Dangers of Large Trucks in the Fast Lane.
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