Many of the laws that Minnesota drivers must abide by are in place in an effort to keep people safe. From speed limits to yielding the right of way, when drivers fail to obey the laws and rules of the road, they can put themselves and others at risk of serious injury or even death if an accident were to occur. When these accidents involve commercial vehicles like tractor trailers, the danger may increase due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
Concerns about truck crashes have actually escalated in the city of Minneapolis lately. Construction has gotten underway there in the Lowry tunnel and this has resulted in the reduction of traffic lanes down to two in either direction. These lanes are also narrow and span a width of 10 feet each. Given this, many vehicles like semi trucks have been banned from using the tunnel for the time being. Detour routes are available and should be used.
Unfortunately, many truck or bus drivers have not adhered to the new rules and have instead insisted upon driving their very large vehicles through the tunnel. Some damage inside the tunnel has resulted as has one accident already. Law enforcement is said to be stepping up patrols in the tunnel to issue citations in an effort to keep large trucks and buses out of the tunnel.
Minnesota residents who are involved in accidents that may have been caused by the negligence of a truck driver may find it helpful to talk with an attorney about seeking justice and compensation.
Source: CBS Minnesota, "Truckers Caught Violating Lowry Hill Tunnel Ban," Reg Chapman, June 29, 2017