The dangers associated with speeding likely do not need to be explained to most in Rome. While many might feel as though they can remain in complete control of their vehicles at high speeds, statistics suggest otherwise. Indeed, per information shared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding accounted for over a quarter of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S. in 2017. If regular vehicles are hard to control at high speeds, one can only imagine how much more difficult it might be to safely operate a speeding semi-truck.
Because of this, most might think that truck drivers would not even imagine speeding. Yet it does indeed happen, and has been recognized as being one of more common factors in truck accidents. One might think a trucker choosing to speed would be the ultimate sign of negligence, yet what about those scenarios where a truck driver feels as though they have no choice?
As is the case with almost every profession, truck drivers are judged on their performance. Part of that performance is completing their routes on time. Trucking companies build their reputation off customer satisfaction, which may prompt them to pressure their drivers to complete routes within a certain time in order to meet demands.
While there may seem to be nothing wrong with placing expectations on employees, it is when those expectations potentially endanger others that the issue of liability arises. According to Section 392.6 of the Code of Federal Regulations, truck companies are not to assign route times to their drivers that would require the drivers to speed through the areas in which they travel in order to complete them. If they do, they may ultimately be responsible for any accidents their drivers cause while trying to meet expectations.