# How Fast Can Commercial Trucks Safely Travel on Highways? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Are the Legal Speed Limits in Texas? 2. When Should Tractor-Trailers Slow Down? 3. Facts About High-Speed Truck Crashes 4. Why Do Speed-Related Commercial Trucking Accidents Occur? 5. Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![How Fast Can Commercial Trucks Safely Travel on Highways?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/How-Fast-Can-Commercial-Trucks-Safely-Travel-on-Highways-1-300x200.jpg) It can be intimidating to see a large 18-wheeler fly by while traveling along Houston roadways. Speed limits are designated to protect everyone on the road and are set to be the maximum under the best weather and road conditions. When conditions are bad, the law stipulates that vehicles should travel at slower, safer speeds. Semi-trucks need to be even more cautious about poor visibility, weather, or road conditions. These vehicles can weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars and have a higher center of gravity, making them unstable.  Passenger car drivers should learn how to drive defensively around these trucks, while commercial truck drivers should be aware of the speed limits and other [rules](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/commercial-truck-rules-in-texas/) in every state and municipality. ## What Are the Legal Speed Limits in Texas? The [maximum speed limit](https://www.txdot.gov/safety/driving-laws/speed-limits/limits.html/) on most Texas highways is 70 mph, although parts of I-10 and I-20 have higher speed limits — either 75 mph or 80 mph — running through ten counties in the western part of the state. Semis are responsible for following posted speed limits on all roads. Different roadways have different speed limits. For example, business and residential districts typically have speed limits between 30 and 35 mph, but other two- and four-lane highways may have speed limits between 45 and 55 mph. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## When Should Tractor-Trailers Slow Down? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) advises truckers to [adjust their speeds](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmv-driving-tips-too-fast-conditions) depending on weather, visibility, traffic, and general road conditions. For example, truckers should reduce their speeds on wet or snowy roads by about one-third of the posted speed limits. However, traveling too slow, especially under normal road conditions, also carries some danger. For example, the gradient of some roads may require vehicles to maintain a certain speed to avoid drifting or have enough momentum to reach the peak of a hill. Some other things for [commercial vehicle](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-a-commercial-vehicle/) operators to consider about their speed are: - Traffic conditions, construction zones, and detours - Conditions where visibility is low, such as night, rain, or fog - [Road hazards](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-road-hazards-to-avoid-an-accident/), like debris, or poor conditions, such as uneven or gravel roads - [Intersections](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/intersection/) and roadway merging zones - Curves, bends in the road, and sharp turns - Hills and inclines Drivers should also take care when making deliveries near city centers or other high-population areas with a higher percentage of [pedestrians](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/pedestrian-accident-lawyer/) and [bicyclists](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/bicycle-accident-lawyer/). ## Facts About High-Speed Truck Crashes Commercial trucking speed plays a significant factor in collisions.  The FMCSA notes the [following statistics](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2019#:~:text=In%202019%2C%205%2C237%20large%20trucks,peak%20of%200.205%20in%202000.): - 23% of large truck collisions happen when commercial drivers are traveling too fast - 25% of speeding-related truck wreck fatalities occur in poor weather conditions - 40% of semi-truck collision fatalities occur on curves in the road - 20-30% of commercial truck collisions happen near highway ramps - Semis with fully loaded trailers are ten times more likely to roll when traveling at high speeds than those with empty trailers As a passenger car driver, knowing when and how truck collisions usually occur — especially those with catastrophic consequences — can help you drive defensively and take evasive precautions if you notice something amiss. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Why Do Speed-Related Commercial Trucking Accidents Occur? Larger size, higher center of gravity, greater inertia, and extensive length make semi-trucks more susceptible to speed-related collisions than other vehicles.  Drivers who don’t account for the vulnerabilities of their trucks can put everyone in danger.  Traveling at unsafe speeds can lead to the following kinds of commercial truck accidents: - Rollovers - [Jackknifing](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/jackknife/) - [Tire blowouts](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/tire-blowout-truck/) - Pedestrian accidents - Stop-short collisions - Skidding out and losing control of the vehicle - [Sideswipe or swaying collisions](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/sideswipe-collisions-deceptively-dangerous/) - Rear-ending accidents Even if the accident only involves the trucker, they can be seriously hurt. Additionally, the truck wreck can impede traffic, leading to other vehicles colliding as they try to avoid the wrecked truck and other debris. Semi-trailers can be dangerous, but understanding where the dangers lie can help other drivers stay safe.  Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. 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Always a dangerous practice for other vehicles and people on [![Dangers of Overloaded Trucks](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dangers-of-Overloaded-Trucks-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dangers-of-overloaded-trucks/) [Dangers of Overloaded Trucks](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dangers-of-overloaded-trucks/) We’ve all felt a sense of apprehension at the sight of an overloaded semi barreling down the highway. Instinct sends [![Big Rig Accidents and Driver Training: Is Commercial Truck Training Enough?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Big-Rig-Accidents-and-Driver-Training-Is-Commercial-Truck-Training-Enough-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/big-rig-accidents-and-driver-training/) [Big Rig Accidents and Driver Training](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/big-rig-accidents-and-driver-training/) Commercial truck accidents cause thousands of catastrophic injuries and deaths each year. Texas consistently has the [![10 Largest Trucking Companies in the U.S.](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/10-Largest-Trucking-Companies-in-the-U.S.-300x167.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-largest-trucking-companies-in-the-us/) [10 Largest Trucking Companies in the U.S.](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-largest-trucking-companies-in-the-us/) Trucking companies are instrumental in keeping the United States running smoothly. Every day, they are responsible for --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-fast-can-commercial-trucks-safely-travel-on-highways/