To help protect those who live in New Mexico, the state’s department of transportation has created specific guidelines that trucking companies and truck drivers are required to follow when they are hauling goods throughout the state. These restrictions are put in place to protect both the truck driver as well as other potential motorists and pedestrians.
Vehicle Restrictions for New Mexico Trucks
Although rules vary slightly by city and roadway, generally speaking, vehicles are not supposed to be:
- wider than 9 feet,
- longer than 48 feet,
- taller than 14 feet and 6 inches, or
- carrying a gross vehicle weight of more than 59,400 lbs.
Some counties have even greater restrictions, and truck drivers and companies are required to make themselves aware of the specific ordinances in the areas they travel to avoid New Mexico truck accidents.
Travel Restrictions for New Mexico Truck Drivers
New Mexico adheres to the “sunrise to sunset rule,” which permits large trucks to travel from sunrise to sunset every day except Sundays and major holidays. There are, of course, certain exceptions for truckers who obtain overweight permits and travel on Sundays; however, these are evaluated on a situational basis and generally must be sought specifically.
Weekend and late-night travel are generally not allowed unless a special permit is obtained. Some factors that are considered are the size of the truck, the travel route, safety concerns to the public, and the potential consequences of allowing or disallowing travel.
Moreover, truckers are often required to receive permits to travel during inclement weather. New Mexico considers inclement weather to be a condition that may create dangerous driving conditions, which includes events such as snow, fog, rain, dust, and ice.
Required Inspections of New Mexico Trucks
Prior to beginning a trip, New Mexico truck drivers and trucking companies are required to ensure that their trucks are in proper working order and that their drivers are properly trained to operate the vehicles. There are also certain ports of entry where New Mexico transportation officers conduct additional inspections. Trucks are checked to make sure that they are in compliance with safety regulations, such as weight and height requirements, and possess the necessary permits for cargo.
Investigation Reveals Potential Safety Violations in Recent Dump Truck Accident
Earlier this month, a dump truck that was transporting debris was involved in a devastating crash. Three individuals were severely injured in the crash. According to a local news report, there was conflicting information regarding whether the dump truck was in violation of safety requirements.
The contractor that was in charge of the dump truck has adamantly stood by its assertion that the truck was in proper working order, had its brakes serviced prior to the crash, and was hauling materials within allowable limits. However, the highway patrol’s investigation revealed contrary findings. According to the highway patrol, the truck was overdue for service and was above mandatory weight limits. Preliminary findings have indicated that the driver was not believed to have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol and had only been driving for a few hours before the crash occurred. A full report is set to be released in the upcoming days.
Have You Been Injured in a New Mexico Trucking Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Mexico trucking accident, you should contact the attorneys at the Fine Law Firm. Trucking companies and their drivers are required to follow all safety regulations to ensure that the likelihood of an accident is reduced and, should an accident occur, that the damage is less severe. If a truck driver or company does not follow safety requirements, and an accident occurs, they may be liable for the injuries that a victim has sustained. An attorney at the Fine Law Firm can help you navigate your New Mexico trucking accident lawsuit and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact the attorneys at the Fine Law Firm at 800-640-6590 to schedule your free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Food Truck’s Propane Tank Explodes, Causing Serious Injuries, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, April 24, 2018.
Trends Show Large Truck and Bus Accidents Are on the Rise, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, April 26, 2018.