In an effort to increase safety on the country’s roads, Federal deputies Rubén Moreira Valdez, Lorena Piñón Rivera and Humberto Ambriz Delgadillo presented a bill that seeks to prohibit the circulation of double-trailer cargo trucks. The proposal, which modifies two articles of the Law of Roads, Bridges and Federal Motor Transportation, responds to the high rates of accidents that these types of units cause annually in Mexico.
According to lawmakers, double-trailer vehicles are responsible for more than 1,600 accidents and at least 1,000 deaths a year.
“The intention is to eliminate the use of this type of transportation to protect the lives of those traveling in other units, pedestrians, and the operators of these vehicles themselves.“, noted the PRI deputies when presenting the initiative.
The initiative contemplates modifications to articles 51 Bis and 61 of the law. Article 51 Bis would stipulate the prohibition of circulation on national roads of double-articulated cargo units, including trailers and semi-trailers. Meanwhile, the reform to article 61 establishes that foreign cargo trucks must comply with dimensions of up to 31 meters long to circulate in the country, as indicated in article 51 Bis.
If the initiative is approved, there will be an adaptation period of 12 months for articulated motor transport entrepreneurs to make the necessary modifications and remove the prohibited units from circulation.
Legislators recognized that freight trucks play a fundamental role in the economy, as 80 percent of the products in the country are transported by land, and more than half of the trade with the United States depends on this means.
However, they pointed out that Double-trailer vehicles, which represent approximately 8% of cargo trucks in Mexico, have been the source of numerous incidents.
According to figures from the Mexican Transport Institute, In 2019, 12,056 accidents were recorded on federal highways, with a balance of 3,044 deaths and more than 8,500 injuries.in addition to an estimated one billion pesos in material damage.
The recent accident of a trailer transporting corn, whose trailer detached and collided with a bus, leaving 24 dead, has revived the debate about the risks involved in using these units on the roads.
For the proponents of this law, Banning double-trailer trucks could be a crucial step in saving lives and reducing the number of tragedies on the country’s roads.
“By prohibiting the circulation of these vehicles, the safety of Mexican families will be protected and the perception of cargo transportation will improve.”, the legislators concluded.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Transportation Safety Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment on road safety in Mexico. Joining us today is Dr. Ana Morales, a leading expert on transportation safety and policy. Dr. Morales, thank you for being here.
Dr. Ana Morales (DAM): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this important topic.
TNE: Recently, Mexican federal deputies presented a bill to prohibit double-trailer cargo trucks due to their alarming accident rates. What is your initial reaction to this legislation?
DAM: I believe this proposal is a necessary step toward enhancing road safety. The statistics are staggering—over 1,600 accidents and 1,000 fatalities annually linked to double-trailer trucks. This kind of legislation can save lives.
TNE: The bill aims to modify two key articles in the Law of Roads, Bridges, and Federal Motor Transportation. Can you explain the significance of these changes?
DAM: Absolutely. The proposed amendments to Articles 51 Bis and 61 would effectively ban the circulation of larger double-articulated trucks on national roads. This would not only reduce the number of these vehicles on the road but also establish stricter regulations for foreign cargo trucks, keeping their dimensions in check. Such measures are vital in creating safer travel conditions for everyone.
TNE: The initiative mentions a 12-month adaptation period if approved. What does this timeline mean for truck operators and road safety in general?
DAM: The adaptation period is crucial for ensuring that operators have enough time to adjust to the new regulations. It allows for the transition to safer vehicles and freight practices. However, it is imperative that during this time, there are effective enforcement measures and public awareness campaigns to educate both drivers and the public on these upcoming changes.
TNE: The lawmakers have emphasized the protection of not just motorists but also pedestrians and the drivers of these trucks themselves. How does eliminating double-trailer trucks contribute to broader road safety?
DAM: Double-trailer trucks are significantly harder to maneuver and stop, especially in emergency situations. By removing them from our roads, we can reduce the severity of accidents and protect vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. It’s about creating a safer environment for everyone out there.
TNE: Some may argue that this prohibition could impact the trucking industry and logistics. How do you address those concerns?
DAM: It’s a valid concern. However, the safety of human life must take precedence. The industry can adapt by utilizing smaller trucks that are still efficient for transport but far less dangerous. This legislation can also spur innovations in logistics and transportation, encouraging businesses to find new, safer methods of freight delivery.
TNE: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Morales. As the discussion around this bill unfolds, what do you hope will come of it?
DAM: I hope that it leads to a broader conversation about road safety in Mexico and that it encourages further reforms aimed at reducing transportation-related fatalities. It’s an opportunity for lawmakers and the community to collaborate on creating safer roads for everyone.
TNE: Thank you again, Dr. Morales, for your valuable perspective. It’s been a pleasure having you.
DAM: The pleasure is mine! Thank you for shedding light on this crucial issue.