According to CBS12, authorities recently closed all northbound lanes of I-95 in St. Lucie County. This closure was due to a hazardous materials crash involving a vehicle carrying dangerous substances. Traffic backed up for miles as crews cleaned the crash site. They safely disposed of the hazardous materials before reopening the highway. This incident highlights the dangers of transporting hazardous materials on Florida’s highways. Although state and federal regulations exist, motorists often have no way of knowing if the truck next to them is carrying hazardous materials—or if the driver is transporting those materials safely and in compliance with the law.
The Transport of Hazardous Materials on Florida’s Roadways
Federal regulations from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, alongside the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, impose strict guidelines for transporting hazardous materials. Carriers must register, obtain permits, and safely pack and label hazardous materials on all four sides of the vehicle to warn other motorists. Florida’s Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety guidelines mandate full compliance with these federal regulations. This adds an extra layer of safety for all road users to avoid incidents like a hazardous materials crash.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
Trucks, including those carrying hazardous materials, fill Florida’s highways. When truck owners and operators fail to follow safety regulations, other motorists often suffer the consequences in the event of an accident. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., our experienced personal injury attorneys have more than 200 years of combined legal experience. We represent victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents in Florida. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, including one involving hazardous materials, contact us today for a free consultation at 877-694-6079 or [email protected].
