3 truck rollovers prompt Euclid police speed reminder

EUCLID, Ohio (WOIO) - The Euclid Police Department is reminding drivers who travel along the I-90 westbound spur over the high-level bridge and navigate the turn toward Cleveland to pay attention to speed limits after three truck rollover crashes in the past several weeks.

The reminder comes after the department said it responded to three truck rollover crashes in the past several weeks on that roadway.

The department wants drivers to pay attention to speed limits, especially when approaching and traveling through curves, ramps and banked turns.

The police department also cited a statistic from the Federal Highway Administration: “more than 25% of fatal crashes are associated with horizontal curves.”

It also advises that “the average crash rate on curves is approximately THREE TIMES higher than on other highway segments. Large trucks face additional challenges. Their height, weight and cargo distribution affect stability, particularly when navigating curves. Excessive speed can increase the risk of losing control or rolling over.”

The department offered the following reminders for all drivers:

• Watch your speed. Observe posted speed limits and any advisory speed signs. A banked turn is engineered for a reason. Don’t assume you can safely take it faster.
• Slow down BEFORE the curve. Reduce speed before entering a turn rather than braking abruptly while navigating it.
• Give commercial trucks room. Large trucks need more stopping distance and additional space to maneuver. Avoid lingering alongside them or cutting in front of them.
• Avoid sudden movements. Abrupt braking, acceleration or steering can compromise vehicle stability, particularly on curves.
• Adjust for conditions. Rain, wet pavement, poor visibility and changing road conditions can make an already challenging turn more hazardous.
• Stay focused. Keep your attention on the roadway, surrounding traffic and posted warning signs.

“The posted speed limit isn’t a suggestion, and getting through a turn safely is more important than getting through it quickly,” the department said. “Let’s keep Euclid’s highways safe. Slow down, stay alert and arrive safely.”