The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is cracking down on unpermitted overweight trucks. A new license plate tracking system will be installed to track illegal, overweight loads which are damaging the state’s infrastructure.
Overweight Trucks Damage Infrastructure
Overweight vehicles pose a problem to Indiana’s infrastructure. These vehicles cause damage to roadways and bridges, and accelerate the deterioration of these structures. According to INDOT, a single 40-ton truck can do as much damage to roadway pavement as 9,600 cars. Indiana requires any vehicle over 40 tons to acquire a permit, which certifies that the load is properly configured to minimize roadway damage.
Illegal Overweight Vehicles Prompt Tracking System
A 2015 Tippecanoe County accident prompted the initiation of this monitoring system. An overweight truck damaged Wildcat Creek bridge on southbound Interstate 65; the damage took three days to repair. By analyzing weight-in-motion sensor data, experts from INDOT and Purdue University determined that an illegal overweight truck probably caused the bridge damage in May of 2015.
New License Plate Tracking System
A new camera system will be installed along the section of Interstate 94 which runs through LaPorte County. Weight-in-motion sensors will be embedded in the road to weigh vehicles as they pass. If excessive weight is detected by the sensors, the cameras will take a picture of the vehicle’s license plate. A notice will then be sent to the vehicle’s owner.
This pilot program will be used to gather information which may support legislative changes. If the program is successful, this technology could be installed throughout the state, and fines could be issued to violators.
Overweight vehicles can cause extensive damage to infrastructure, as well as devastating accidents. If you have been injured by a truck, contact the South Bend truck accident lawyers at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak today. A personal injury lawyer from our firm will work to get you justice.
Call (844) 678-1800 today.
