Schwarzenegger Bans Semi Trucks from Angeles Crest Highway
The latimes.com website has reported on August 6th, that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has finally signed into law a ban on commercial vehicles driving through State Route 2 between the city of La Canada Flintridge and County Route N2 in Los Angeles County. In the latimes.com report, many residents of the area have been requesting this for years after several runaway truck accidents including one that happened on April 1 that killed a man and his 12 year old daughter and injured at least 12 people. The new bill, AB 1361, will not only ban vehicles weighing more than 9,000lbs or with three or more axles, but it also hikes up the fine for drivers who have been caught driving with overloaded trucks to $1,000 from $20.
Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge), author of the new law, said, “There was never a reason for big rigs to use this narrow, steep road that ended in our quiet town. Knowing that we now have a formal and lasting truck ban will put our citizens at ease and is the first step to ensuring we never experience the pain and fear caused by a runaway truck.”
According to national statistics, accidents that involve trucks kill more than 5,000 people and injure up to 130,000 (of which 35% of the injuries are disastrous). Although commercial trucks represent only 3% of all registered vehicles, they are accountable for 25% of car deaths.
Drivers and truck owners are responsible for obeying all laws when on public roads and should perform the proper maintenance on their trucks to ensure that they are operating safe vehicles, otherwise the consequences can be fatal and they will be held accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in the San Fernando Valley as a result of a trucking accident, you should call the skilled Northridge truck accident lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm. Our arsenal of attorneys is experienced and has successfully represented clients in all sorts of personal injury cases. At the Mandell Law Firm, we are committed to protecting your rights as an injury victim and helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Please call 1-818-886-6600 for a free consultation.
