• Texas adds left-lane truck restrictions

    May 1, 2013
    2 min read

    With Texas roadways becoming increasingly crowded, the Texas Transportation Commission stepped up measures to keep motorists safe by approving left-lane truck restrictions on an additional 78 mi. of state highway along US 77, US 83 and US 281 in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. This brings the statewide total to 443 miles where trucks cannot drive in left lanes on roadways in 14 counties.

    In 2000, the Texas Transportation Institute conducted a 36-week study of left-lane truck restrictions along I-10E in Houston and reported crashes along the freeway main lanes were reduced by 68%. A follow-up study performed on I-20 in Dallas and I-30 in Fort Worth reported crashes declined by 78% and 22%, respectively.

    Prohibiting large trucks from sustained travel in the far left lane allows passenger vehicles to move more quickly and freely in that designated lane, the Transportation Commission says. It also reduces the number of lane changes and passing maneuvers attempted by passenger vehicles, thereby reducing the likelihood of crashes. Large trucks, defined as having three axles or more, are still allowed to use the left lane to pass other vehicles and exit the highway.

     “Safety is always our first priority and the key deciding factor when weighing decisions related to efficient travel and commerce,” said Chairman Ted Houghton, Texas Transportation Commission. “As truck traffic increases along with our population, we must consider how different types of motorists and vehicles can safely interact on our highways.”

    About the Author

    Deborah Whistler

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Latest from Regulations

    ID 119046131 © Jonathan Weiss | Dreamstime.com
    English language proficiency support
    A FleetOwner survey illustrates how industry readers view the government renewed English language proficiency enforcement. Respondents overwhelmingly support ELP in out-of-service...
    PBS News
    Trump speaks before signing resolutions
    Trump signed three resolutions to terminate CARB’s waivers for Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Cars II, and Heavy-Duty NOx. The resolutions are a major blow to California...
    ID 1069347 © Badboo | Dreamstime.com
    traffic sign without language
    Is ELP enforcement an important safety issue? Take a few seconds to share your thoughts and see what others said.