WLOS ABC News Channel 13 recently looked into commercial trucking safety on mountain roads in and around Asheville. The News 13 Investigative Team wanted to find out if it’s legal for semi trucks to take smaller country roads, like Highway 208, to bypass weigh stations in the area. According to a North Carolina Highway Patrol (NCHP) Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement division officer, it depends on the situation. It’s legal for some trucks to travel on smaller roads, but not for others. For example, on Highway 208, trailers over 48 feet are banned for safety reasons. If drivers disregard safety regulations to make time, avoid weigh stations or get around safety inspections, they’re putting lives at risk.
Semi Truck Crashes in Asheville
We recently reported on the 18-wheeler crash that happened on Old Chunns Cove Road in Asheville. The truck driver, unfamiliar with the area, took his rig up Beaucatcher Road, went left of center and overturned off an embankment. The roadway had to be closed for hours as crews and first responders worked the scene. The truck driver and his passenger were transported to Mission Hospital for treatment of their injuries. The truck was reportedly fully loaded at the time, and the crash is likely still under investigation to determine if any safety violations contributed to the wreck.
Increasing Commercial Vehicle Safety
Safety advocates are calling on tighter regulations to improve commercial trucking and roadway safety. WLOS ABC News Channel 13 reported that the state writes between 18,000 and 21,000 out-of-service violations annually. These violations can include excessive speeding, reckless driving and other safety violations. The report was also quick to point out that the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks increased by eight percent last year.
Asheville Truck Accident Lawyer
Since these vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more, they can do a considerable amount of damage to lighter passenger occupant vehicles, and accidents involving large commercial trucks can leave victims in the hospital and out of work for extended periods of time. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a truck accident in or around the Asheville area, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation today.