In September 2011, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed House Bill 1377 into law, with the intent of improving the information available to truck drivers so they can plan their routes to avoid dangerous situations. The law goes into effect January 1, 2012 and will provide information about trucking routes on-line, as well as training for drivers about the differences between truck and car global positioning systems (G.P.S.) Supporters of the new law hope that it will make the roads safer for all drivers and reduce truck accidents.
Key Provisions of the Law
The new law has three main provisions:
- Route information: jurisdictions across the state need to supply the most up-to-date truck route information for their area to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) through a new, simplified reporting system
- Posting route information on-line: IDOT will post the information it receives about truck routes on-line in a new database that has important trucking information, such as weight restrictions and overpasses, merged together from other databases
- Education for truck drivers: all Commercial Driver's License (CDL) curricula for those looking to obtain or renew a CDL will include information regarding the differences between truck and car G.P.S.
Safer Roads
Proponents of the new law argue that it will make driving in Illinois safer for everyone. The new law makes information about local truck routes available on the IDOT website, whereas before IDOT only provided information about truck routes on state highways.
By giving truckers current information about truck routes, the drivers will be able to avoid bridge strikes. Choosing proper truck routes will also ease congestion, reduce accidents and lessen damage to infrastructure caused by truck accidents.
While the new law regarding truck route information will help truck drivers choose better route and help avoid accidents, large commercial trucks still pose a danger to other smaller vehicles on the road. Accidents between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles are particularly devastating for those in passenger vehicles. If you have been in an accident with a commercial truck, contact an attorney who can advise you of your options.
