About six months after implementing new lane restrictions for large trucks on Interstate 26, officials are looking into how effective they are. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the lane restrictions were originally put into place with the goal of reducing congestion and improving safety on the two-mile-long stretch from Long Shoals to the French Broad River.
Large signs were installed at the Long Shoals Exit, where the start of the lane restriction begins. For the two-mile stretch, no trucks with three or more axles are allowed in the left lane. While the lane restriction is aimed at keeping trucks out of the left lane and reducing the potential for collisions and congestion, what are the actual results?
Are Truck Lane Restrictions Working on I-26
WLOS ABC News Channel 13 interviewed a North Carolina State Trooper who did report that the number of commercial motor vehicle collisions in the area seem to be coming down. Additionally, since March 20, when the lane restrictions initially went into effect, through the end of August, the Highway Patrol have issued 241 citations to truck drivers. Even without 24-hour monitoring, commercial drivers seem to be getting the message about staying out of the left lane. Truck drivers who get busted violating the lane restriction can expect a nearly $250 fine.
Large Truck Crashes by The Numbers
- In 2017, there were 4,761 people killed in crashes involving large trucks.
- Between 2016 and 2017, there was a nine-percent increase in fatalities associated with large truck crashes.
- In 2017, 72 percent of people killed in large-truck crashes were occupants in other vehicles.
- 78 percent of the fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2017 occurred on weekdays.
- Truck Accidents in Asheville
Accidents involving trucks and other large commercial vehicles often require lengthy investigations due to additional rules and regulations associated with the industry. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a truck accident in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven Personal Injury team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.