New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg (D) has proposed legislation to temporarily set weight limits on the National Highway Systems (NHS) roads, similar to those on the Interstate Highways. The Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act of 2013 (SHIPA) will set a limit on trucks on the NHS roads at 53 feet long and 80,000 pounds—the same limits that are already set on interstates.
“Closing the loophole that keeps these long, overweight trucks on out National Highway System will protect families and preserve our nation’s infrastructure,” says Lautenberg. “Trucks play a critical role in our nation’s economy, but they also share the roads with our families, so we must do everything we can to make our nation’s highways safer and prevent tragic accidents.”
Many states already have these weight limits in place for its NHS roads, but then there are some states, such as Maine, that have higher limits, up to 100,000 pounds. Some business owners and lobbyists will be crying foul, that this is the type of government regulation that is crushing small business; the reality is that this legislation will not run any business because all truckers and transit companies will now be subject to the same laws. This regulation levels the playing field.
There is more information on truck accidents and other types of personal injury available on our website. Please contact our firm today for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been in an accident.
Tip of the week: There are 44,000 miles of pavement on the Interstate Highway System, compared to 220,000 miles of NHS roadways.
Spevack Law Firm—Middlesex County truck accident lawyers
