Do you think it's okay for a semi truck to go 80 m.p.h. if the traffic conditiona are favorable?

Wolf Harper

Some people here seem incredulous or offended at your question.

However I've driven I-80 and I-10 in some very rural parts of the country. Folks, you gotta know that in the middle of rural Wyoming, everyone is running between 70 and 80 mph. Those speeds are completely appropriate for conditions. The posted speed limit is 75 mph. Of note is that nobody runs faster than 80 either. Nobody.

So I must laugh at some people's dire, arm-waving predictions of doom. Truckers drive 80 mph all the time. It is routine and normal for a trucker to pull out of Reno (Sparks) and cruise at 80 mph continuously all the way to Omaha, stopping only for fuel and rest, and slowing only for metro Salt Lake and Cheyenne. Because those freeways are practically deserted. There is nothing out there, and trucks outnumber cars 5:1. It's routine. I pass thousands of them. I roll behind them for hundreds of miles at 80 mph. Nothing ever happens, nor is there any evidence that anything happens to anyone else either.

Porterhouse

I've got 11 years and TSA/Hazmat endorsed... 75mph is fast enough for me.... I haul shingles primarily, which between the truck and load, tops out around 78,500#. When I haul placarded roofing chemicals, there really is nothing more frightening to other motorists than seeing a full truck of Flammable material pass them. I'm a company driver and, yes my company does monitor our speeds, but regardless of that, I just feel a little safer when I only drive 5mph faster than the posted speed on the highway. Just my opinion... and yes, I do get out of the way for other drivers who need to go.

Misha

If your truck is capable of being stable on that speed, if conditions are right, and if you are capable of safely driving it - I don't see any problem with that.

Redtic

Yes, I do think this is acceptable on two lane interstate, and much faster if conditions warrant. However, the truck-tractors will probably always be regulated to 70 or below. Why? The other drivers on the roads today have no clue. You have a lot of road hogs who don't know how to use the fast lane on the interstate. People don't use road etiquette. Take for instance the Autobahn in Germany. There you can drive as fast as you want. The authorities also regularly give tickets to people who are in the fast lane going too slow. A BMW going 180 is coming up so fast on a car going 70mph there is no reaction time. You get your butt OUT of the fast lane over there or there is severe consequences - German drivers honor the rules and also honors faster traffic as having the right of way.

Here in the USA, this doesn't work because highway patrol does not enforce this rule. Our interstate system was directly designed with Germany's Autobahn in mind - it is a shame we cannot utilize the interstate as it was originally meant to be.

I know what you are asking because my friend runs a 500 HP Pete - and it is cabable of cruising over 100. But seriously think of how many times as a trucker you have been cut off by idiot car drivers.

Mickey F

Yea, then when you blow a tire and lose control I get to extricate your remains along with the family you wiped out! Another winner!

dinosaur

speed we all want to go fast but it would depend on your load weight,height of all truck components [the lower the better gravity and inertia are the enemy as well as braking power at higher speeds] If all the criteria could be met I would travel at 80 or better with others in the same lane alone at the same speed( a high speed truck lane only).And as for our highways[they were built as arteries for military quick deplyment as well as mass transit ] all military installations are close too direct interstate access .
check the history of the U.S. government and the building of highways if in doubt.

oklatom

If you can find a road in any state which allows trucks to do 80, by all means. If not, no.

iridealone

If you mean ok as if its legal, the answer is no. Exceeding the posted speed limit always constitutes an infraction at least. I think different rules apply for trucks in that speed limits may be lower for them. From a safety perspective, it depends on the load you're carrying. If you're carrying a heavy load, it may be nearly impossible for you to drive safely at that speed if you need to come to a quick stop.

Evan

As a driver myself I don't see the need I don't care how perfect the conditions are that load can wait. There's no need to Billy Big Rigger it up out there. Let me guess triple digit Pete, large whip antennas, teeth in the grill, naked girl mudflaps, CB rambo with the echo turned up, fatty with a tank top, sweat pants, and flip flops, and a big jug of soda between the legs. Theres no need for the excessive speed limit I think 75mph is good enough. The load can wait, you being a driver for over 20 years should know that there is no need to speed as a professional driver leave the cowboy mentality at home and try to act like a professional.

al b

I'm curious what would bring you to ask this question. I'm assuming you're a professional driver, as am I, but the question is out of character with your credentials please explain.

Bob

I've passed a lot of trucks going over 80 only to see them slow down to more reasonable speeds.

If your tire blows at that speed and flies into the path of an innocent car - that person could be hurt or even killed.

That is why I pass trucks going over 80 because I surely do not want tire tread flying into me.

cntryggls

Well, Kevin B.- as long as conditions are favorable, traffic is at a minimum and your pocketbook is deep, go for it.

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