DRIVERS in a US state could face fines of $200 or more for failing to follow a simple law relating to securing equipment and bulky cargo.
Recent data reveals that debris falling from trucks and other vehicles contributes to hundreds of crashes each year.
GettyFalling debris from vehicles contributes to hundreds of crashes annually and could cost you a $200 fine – or worse, a life[/caption] GettyUtah troopers risk their lives clearing debris off highways – drivers are urged to secure cargo and slow down to prevent accidents[/caption] GettyWith $3 million spent annually on cleanup, poorly secured loads are more than just a fine[/caption]In fact, according to KSL, falling debris caused three fatalities on Utah roads last year, a decrease from the record high of eight in 2021.
“Think of a motorcyclist,” said Jason Mettmann of the Utah Department of Public Safety.
“Think of a small vehicle that has to collide with a big box, refrigerator, or whatever falls off your truck. At 70 mph, they don’t have much time to react.”
Clearing debris from Utah highways is also a hazardous task for state troopers.
Justin O’Driscoll, a trooper, revealed that he frequently stops drivers for load security violations before accidents occur.
“This week, every day that I’ve worked, I’ve stopped a commercial vehicle with insufficient load security. Every single day,” O’Driscoll said.
“I’m sure that is common for most troopers.”
The problem stems from various sources, with commercial rigs carrying poorly secured equipment being a significant contributor.
However, individual drivers transporting furniture or other items are also at fault.
A first violation carries a $200 fine, with penalties increasing for subsequent offenses.
In the event of debris on a roadway, Utah residents should be aware that troopers may drive in a swerving pattern to slow traffic.
This allows them to cordon off lanes, exit their vehicles, and safely remove debris.
Drivers are also urged to brake and avoid passing troopers in these situations to prevent accidents involving officers or other vehicles.
According to a report, the Utah Department of Transportation spends approximately $3 million annually on cleaning up debris and litter.
DEALER DEALT
This comes as a dealership based in St. George, Utah, nearly lost out on $51,000 after a man attempted to sell them a stolen truck.
The company was prepared to hand over cash for a Chevrolet Duramax truck until an employee noticed a tiny detail.
A dealership employee caught on when they spotted a suspicious vehicle identification number during the transaction.
After they double-checked, the code came back as invalid.
What makes a car a lemon?
Each law has different parameters on what defines a lemon, but generally, a car is lemon when it's in the shop for longer than it's on the road.
Progressive Auto Insurance describes a lemon as a car with “a significant defect or malfunction that makes it unsafe to drive,” though exact parameters vary by state. All 50 states have lemon laws covering new vehicles, but only seven have lemon laws to protect used car buyers.
Federally, however, consumers are protected under U.S. Code Chapter 50 covering consumer product warranties. In layman’s terms, the law dictates that consumers be compensated by the manufacturer when “multiple attempts to repair a vehicle under warranty fail.”
What to do if you think you bought a lemon:
Research your state’s lemon laws and their exact parameters. Contact the dealership, especially if it’s still under factory warranty. If the dealership refuses to repair the issue, contact the Automotive Consumer Action Program or the National Automobile Dealers Association. Send a certified letter to the manufacturer with an explanation of the issue, with documentation and proof that you’ve contacted a dealership. Depending on the outcome, you can report the dealership to the DMV for selling a car that needs immediate repairs. Consider small claims court. Consult an attorney specializing in lemon law through the National Association of Consumer Advocates.Source: Progressive Auto Insurance
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