Alejandro Figueroa | May 27, 2022 | Truck Accidents
Florida has some of the most consistent speed limit laws in the country. If two areas have similar conditions, they will have the same speed limits. These laws apply equally to drivers regardless of what type of vehicle they are driving.
In general, this means that commercial truck drivers need only obey the speed limit to drive safely on Florida highways.
What Are Florida Speed Limits?
In urban areas, especially near schools, speed limits can drop down to the low teens. But generally, commercial trucks don’t frequent these areas. Mostly, commercial trucks drive on the highways. There are three types of major highways in Florida.
Interstates
Four interstate highways run through Florida: I-4, I-10, I-75, and I-95. These highways have the highest speed limits in the state. On these roads, drivers can drive up to 70 mph.
Four-Lane Divided Highways Outside Urban Areas
The next largest highways are four-lane divided highways. These highways are similar in design to interstate highways but limit drivers to 65 mph.
State Highways
Most state highways only have two lanes. Due to the limited maneuverability on these highways, drivers are limited to 60 mph.
When Should Commercial Truck Drivers Slow Down?
Just because you obey the speed limit doesn’t mean you are driving safely. All drivers, particularly commercial truck drivers, must consider driving conditions when choosing their speed.
You should drive slower than the speed limit when any of the following conditions exist:
- Rain or fog
- Heavy traffic
- Nighttime
- Construction on or near the road
- Poor road conditions like potholes
Failure to slow down when any dangerous conditions are present will likely make a commercial driver liable for an accident if they get in one and could cost them their license.
Police can also ticket commercial drivers for reckless or careless driving if they don’t slow down during adverse conditions, even if they are obeying the speed limit.
Restricted Lanes
Another factor that can affect the safe driving speeds of commercial trucks is restricted lanes. On some sections of highways, commercial trucks are restricted to only driving in the far right lane.
This restriction limits the speed of commercial trucks to the speed of the slowest driver in that lane. Usually, this results in commercial trucks traveling at least five mph slower than the rest of the traffic.
What Are the Consequences of Unsafe Driving Speeds?
Commercial trucks are, on average, roughly 30 times as heavy as passenger vehicles. This makes them very dangerous to other vehicles during a truck accident. When a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle collide, there is a very good chance of a fatality in the passenger vehicle.
This danger of fatal accidents increases significantly when commercial trucks drive at unsafe speeds. As the speed of a truck increases, the distance it requires to stop or turn increases significantly. A commercial truck driver driving even ten mph above the speed limit often is unable to avoid an accident, even when they see the danger in advance.
What to Do If You See a Commercial Truck Driving at Unsafe Speeds on Florida Highways
If you are driving a passenger car and see a commercial truck driving at an unsafe speed, you should immediately get your car to safety. If the truck is in front of you, simply slow down and put distance between your car and the truck. If it is behind you, try to find a safe place to pull over and let the truck pass you.
Once you are safe, you may want to take the time to call a non-emergency police phone number and advise them of the situation.
Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Tampa, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, and need legal help, contact our Tampa truck accident lawyers at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers
Bank of America Plaza
101 E Kennedy Blvd #2400
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 222-8656
We also provide legal assistance throughout the Tampa Bay Area including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Bradenton.
