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© 2007-2020 Michigan Auto Law, All rights reserved.ĭisclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice without consulting with a licensed attorney. You can also read about our 100 percent client satisfaction guarantee and view our settlement amounts from truck accident cases we have settled. The call and the advice are free.įor more information on how Michigan Auto Law can help you, take a look at the testimonials from other truck accident victims. To speak with one of our experienced lawyers, call Michigan Auto Law at (800) 777-0028, or fill out our contact form for an auto accident lawyer free consultation. Get your truck accident questions answered today Since the absence of this tape on trucks has been proven to cause catastrophic truck accidents, there is very little excuse for why truck fleets haven’t adhered to the DOT reflective tape requirements for older trucks that are still in service as this tape is inexpensive.Īlso, if a truck driver is caught driving a newer model truck without reflective tape, he or she can be cited with a safety violation and the truck can be taken out of service (shut down). Regardless, many truck drivers and trucking companies throughout the country and in Michigan neglect to adhere to the requirements for their trucks. According to the study, this tape greatly reduces side and rear crashes into heavy tractor-trailers. The study also estimated that 191 to 350 fatalities per year - meaning people killed driving into trucks without reflective tape in poor visibility conditions - will be prevented, as well as 3,100 to 5,000 people who suffer personal injury from these types of truck accidents. have been equipped with highly reflective tape, 7,800 crashes each year will be prevented. The study estimated that once all heavy trucks in the U.S. But drive down any Michigan highway and it’s shocking to see just how many trucks still do not have reflective tape.Ī National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study found that the DOT reflective tape requirements for trucks are highly effective in preventing crashes. Why the DOT reflective tape requirements for trucks exist and how it saves lives by preventing accidentsĪll commercial trucks are legally required to be equipped with highly reflective tape or its equivalent in the form of reflectors, so they are more visible.

Must have inverted L 12 inches long on upper rear of trailers.

Must be along entire bottom of the back.

Must cover at least 50% of total side length.

Silver or white for upper rear of trailers.

Red and white striped for back and bottom sides of trailers.

What Are The DOT Reflective Tape Requirements For Trucks?

Images of belly dump truck and trailers