Passage of Bill by Illinois Senate to Increase Truck Speed Limits Jeopardizes the Lives of Illinois Roadway Users

AURORA, Ill., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The override of SB 540, which allows large tractor-trailer trucks to travel on rural, four-lane highways at the same speed limits as passenger vehicles, jeopardizes the safety of all of Illinois roadway users. Illinois had made significant strides in improving road safety, but yesterday's override of the Governor's veto by the Illinois Senate was a significant step backward. We urge the Illinois House to sustain the veto as the bill goes to its chamber.

"It's extremely disappointing that the Illinois Senate chose to ignore the inherent danger of this bill," said Brad Roeber, president of AAA Chicago. "The number of fatal crashes involving large trucks is already on the rise in Illinois, and I'm afraid the risk for even more injuries and fatalities due to truck crashes will be substantially elevated."

The data on large truck crashes are clear. In 2005 the Illinois Department of Transportation reported 17,902 crashes involving trucks. More than 2,700 injuries and 191 fatalities resulted from those crashes. That same year, Illinois ranked 6th in the nation in the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes. Furthermore, the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks in Illinois already increased by 22 percent from 2004 to 2005.

The primary finding on this subject cannot be overlooked: large trucks take longer to brake and to maneuver in emergency situations. Additionally, neighboring states such as Kentucky, Wisconsin, Missouri and Minnesota, all recently passed similar legislation only to see crashes involving large trucks rise.

"The mountain of evidence against this legislation does not bode well for the safety of Illinois roadway users," said Roeber. "We urge all drivers to fully understand the gravity of this legislation and to admonish your local House representative to sustain this veto."

For 100 years, AAA has represented the interests of the nation's motorists and served as an advocate for various traffic safety and travel related issues. AAA Chicago has served that role in Illinois since its founding in 1906.

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 50 million members in the United States and Canada.

Source: AAA Chicago  

trucks should go less than 100 mph at all times  

i don't see it as the threat that you do. anytime you have large trucks traveling at lower speds than the rest of traffic; there is the potential for restless drivers in cars to try passing at unsafe locations. i am all for trucks going the same speed as cars. i also feel that 75 - 80 mph is not too fast when that is the prevailing speed on the highway.