Residents of a Hernando, MS subdivision are worried that a rise in the number of large trucks on Old Highway 51/Memphis St. poses a serious threat for trucking accidents, according to The Desoto Times Tribune. Residents from Laurelwood Subdivision, located on Old Highway 51, recently spoke with Ward 4 Alderman Jamie Tipton of Hernando about the danger of speeding trucks so close to a residential area and a gym that is often occupied by children.
Three potential solutions to the problem have been put forward. Unified Waste Disposal manager Jim Becker has already established a rule that the company’s drivers may not exceed 20 miles per hour while driving down the relatively small road.
Residents suggested that drivers should use Highway 51 instead of Old 51, and enter the street from the other end. Unfortunately, the tight right-hand turn required for this solution would create additional safety issues, according to Becker. Chip Johnson, the mayor of Hernando, offered a compromise in which the Mississippi Department of Transportation would conduct a study of the improvements necessary to make the right-hand turn safe for trucks.
Finally, Becker offered a third option of having commercial traffic enter Old Highway 51/Memphis St. from another small road off of Parkway.
In any event, it is apparent that something needs to be done. It is a well known fact that trucking accidents do occur, and when they do, they are often much more severe than a car to car accident given the size and weight of the truck as compared with the vehicles with which they are colliding. Truckers are paid to move freight quickly. When they feel pressured to push the speed limit or drive a few extra hours before resting, other drivers are at risk. When accidents occur, it is important to quickly secure the driver’s DOT log books and other travel information in order to determine whether the trucker and/or the employer was acting irresponsibly.
We are glad that to see that Hernando is taking proactive steps to listen to the concerns of the residents and thereby attempt to reduce the likelihood of commercial truck accidents in North Mississippi. If you or someone you know have been involved in one of these accidents, you need legal representation to protect your interests and seek fair compensation for medical bills and other damages incurred as a result of the accident. The sooner you enlist the aid of an experienced personal injury lawyer, the better.
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