Federal law currently limits the weight and length of tractor-trailers to 80,000 pounds and 53 feet.  However, that limit is currently under congressional review and may be amended in the near future.  Many large trucking companies are proposing to increase the weight limit to 97,000 pounds.  This is putting a large amount of pressure on the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety to lobby to keep current limits in force.  Vice President of this organization is quoted saying that the added weight will "result in the American public paying with both their lives and wallets."  Sure, larger, heavier trucks would allow for the movement of more goods, but at what cost?  More Missouri tractor-trailer accidents?  Heavier trucks are harder to control and stop in emergency situations.  This means that more personal injuries and fatalities will be caused. 

Even a truck driver was quoted as saying that "80,000 pounds is enough for anybody.  If it gets much bigger, its going to create and unsafe environment, and more deaths on the road."  This is of concern for opponents of the weight measure.  In fact, a website has been created to voice your concerns at StopBiggerTrucks.org.  Some states already allow for heavier trucks as long as they travel only within that particular state.  Michigan, for example, allows a maximum weight of 164,000 pounds. 

St. Louis Injury Attorney Stephen Schultz is an advocate for those injured in serious tractor-trailer accidents and stands with the others in opposition to increasing our current weight and length limit for 18-wheelers.  If you have been injured due to the negligent conduct of a truck driver and/or his commercial trucking company employer, contact the injury attorneys at Schultz Legal Group and get your rights protected.  Don't be victimized twice!