How Speed Limits Affect Truck Safety on IH 10 in Texas

 Posted on December 21, 2025 in Truck accidents

Speed limits play a major role in truck safety on IH 10 in Texas. This interstate carries heavy commercial traffic through cities like El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston, as well as growing areas near San Marcos. When large trucks travel too fast for traffic or road conditions, crashes are more likely to cause serious injuries.

As of 2025, Texas law still requires commercial drivers to operate their vehicles at safe speeds based on road and traffic conditions, not just posted signs. If a speeding driver left you with severe injuries and losses, contact a San Marcos, TX truck accident lawyer at The Bettersworth Law Firm today.

Why Speed Limits Matter More for Trucks Than Cars

Trucks are much heavier than passenger vehicles and take longer to slow down. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That extra weight makes it harder to stop quickly or avoid hazards.

Speed limits on IH 10 often range from 65 to 75 miles per hour. In rural areas, higher limits and long open stretches can encourage speeding. In busier areas near San Antonio or San Marcos, traffic can slow suddenly, increasing the risk of serious rear-end crashes.

Even when a truck is driving at the posted speed limit, it may still be unsafe. Traffic congestion, construction zones, and weather conditions can all require slower speeds to avoid danger.

What Texas Law Says About Speed and Truck Safety

Texas law does not allow drivers to rely only on posted speed limits. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.351, all drivers must control their speed to avoid collisions. That means drivers have to slow down when conditions make the roadway unsafe, even if they are below the speed limit.

Texas law also recognizes that driving at an unsafe speed can be evidence of negligence. Under § 545.352, speed that is unreasonable for the conditions may support a finding that a driver failed to act safely.

How Speed Limits Affect Stopping Distance for Trucks

Stopping distance is one of the biggest safety concerns for trucks on IH 10. At highway speeds, a tractor-trailer may need several football fields of space to stop completely.

As speed increases, stopping distance increases sharply. A truck traveling at 75 miles per hour needs far more distance to stop than one traveling at 65. When traffic suddenly slows near exits, construction zones, or urban areas, speeding trucks may not have enough time to react. This lack of stopping distance is a common cause of chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles on IH 10.

How Speeding Trucks Increase the Severity of Crashes on IH 10

Speed does not just raise the risk of a crash. It also increases how serious the injuries are when a crash happens. Higher speeds mean more force at impact.

On IH 10, speed-related truck crashes often involve rollovers, jackknife accidents, or vehicles being pushed into other lanes. These crashes can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple broken bones. Smaller vehicles often absorb the full force of a speeding truck.

How Truck Speed Is Investigated After a Crash

After a serious truck accident, speed is closely reviewed. Investigators look beyond witness statements to understand what happened. Evidence used to evaluate truck speed may include:

• Electronic logging device records

• Event data recorder or black box information

• Dash camera or traffic camera footage

• Driver logs and delivery schedules

This information can show whether the truck was speeding or traveling too fast for conditions. It can also reveal if the trucking company could be liable for the accident by pressuring the truck driver to speed.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Comal County, TX Truck Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a serious truck accident on IH 10, a San Marcos, TX truck accident lawyer at The Bettersworth Law Firm can help. Attorney James S. Bettersworth has more than 25 years of experience handling complex commercial vehicle accidents. He is known for his balanced approach that is both aggressive in protecting clients’ rights and compassionate toward their recovery.

The firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Club. Call 830-606-0404 to schedule your free consultation.