The size and weight of large trucks make for more severe accidents. Given their inherent danger , regulators have created laws that aim to minimize these devastating collisions. While some are specific trucking laws, others apply to all vehicles, including trucks. New York’s left-lane driving laws are one example of this. A violation of these highway laws might serve as evidence that a driver was negligent and liable for resulting injuries.
Anyone who sustains an injury in a truck collision should contact a New York Truck Accident Lawyer to learn whether a driving lane issue contributed to the crash and resulting harm.
Types of Lane Restrictions
Lane restrictions are any road laws that state that vehicles can only use certain lanes based on a set of factors. Some examples might include:
- High occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV) prohibit vehicles from traveling in a certain lane unless there is a minimum number of people traveling in the vehicle (possibly two or three individuals). These highway restrictions aim to reduce traffic and vehicle emissions.
- Lane regulations only allow the use of designated lanes for certain purposes. For example, passing lane traffic rules may state that drivers must use the left lane for passing only.
- Truck restrictions on lane use prohibit these specific vehicle types from using certain lanes (often with some exceptions).
- Lane rules that apply to slow-moving vehicles and that often impact trucks.
Why Do States Have “Left Lane” Laws?
A state may enact a no trucks in left lane law to reduce certain risks, including:
- Increased Accidents: Slow-moving trucks in the left lane can prompt drivers of passenger vehicles to make sudden lane changes, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Most highway accidents are caused by sudden lane changes rather than speeding. It’s crucial for truck drivers to get out of the left lane to reduce these risks.
- Traffic Congestion: Trucks in the left lane can cause congestion, forcing faster drivers to slow down or merge into the right-hand lane. This can create a ripple effect, leading to delays and frustration for other motorists. Passing lane laws are designed to prevent such congestion by ensuring that the left lane remains clear for passing.
- Aggressive Driving and Road Rage: The frustration caused by slower traffic can lead to aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating. Tailgating can escalate into road rage and increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Following trucking rules and roadway guidelines help mitigate these risks.
- Obstructed Views: Trucks in the left lane can block the view of road signs and traffic signals for drivers behind them, making it difficult for motorists to anticipate exits or turns. This can result in sudden lane changes and last-minute maneuvers. Truck laws and vehicle restrictions are in place to prevent such hazardous situations.
- Environmental Impact: Traffic flow impeded by trucks can cause vehicles to speed up and slow down more frequently, leading to increased fuel consumption and emissions. Ensuring trucks get out of the left lane helps maintain smoother traffic flow and reduces environmental impact.
By adhering to driving rules, transportation laws, and regulations regarding truck lanes, lawmakers aim to minimize risks and create safer roadways for all motorists. An experienced Personal Injury Lawyer can help determine whether a motorist failed to adhere to safe driving practices, indicating negligence.
Does NY Have Traffic Regulations Prohibiting Trucks from Using the Left Lane?
Left lane laws In the case of New York, outline specific conditions for when vehicles, including trucks, may use the left lane on multi-lane roads. According to the law, all vehicles should be driven on the right half of the roadway, except in certain situations, such as:
- When overtaking and passing a vehicle moving in the same direction,
- When passing bicyclists, pedestrians, animals, or obstructions on the right side of the road,
- When driving on a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
The law also states that any vehicle traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic must stay in the right-hand lane or as close as possible to the right-hand curb, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle. In general, trucks should not use the left lane unless they are passing on the left or avoiding an obstacle. Passing trucks on the highway should be done in the left lane, but otherwise, trucks left in this lane can cause traffic issues and should be minimized.
What Are Cross Over Mirrors?
Highway collisions aren’t the only accidents that the size of large trucks makes more devastating. In urban and suburban areas where there are pedestrians and cyclists, large trucks can cause additional risks. The height of large trucks means that truck drivers can struggle to see directly in front of their vehicles. Crossover mirrors are a solution to this problem. Placing these in front of the truck cab can eliminate this “blind spot,” allowing drivers to see anyone at least three feet tall and one foot in front of the vehicle.
Contact Our experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Collisions involving large trucks can lead to horrible injuries. For those who suffered harm in one of these accidents, getting compensation and holding the liable driver responsible is extremely important.
Motor vehicle accident injuries are costly to treat and care for, can prevent people from working, and may lower a person’s quality of life. If you were injured in a collision involving a large truck, contact Omni Injury and Accident Law, P.C. for a consultation with an experienced lawyer.