How Cargo Load Affects Safety on the Road
Trucks keep America moving. Without them goods wouldn’t be transported, and shelves at all of our favorite stores would be bare. They’re essential, but they also have strict rules to follow to ensure safety on our highways. When improperly loaded trucks hit the road, the results can be catastrophic.
The Car Crash Captain looks at the most common ways that semi-trucks are improperly loaded, and what can happen when the regulations aren’t followed.
Not All Trucks are Created the Same
Some commercial trucks can handle larger and heavier loads. Some aren’t designed to carry as much. When a smaller truck is overloaded, it’s just as dangerous as a large truck that’s overloaded. We’ve rounded up the most common improperly loaded cargo issues, but there are certainly many others that can lead to accidents on our highways.
Improperly Secured Cargo – Different loads have different securing regulations. A truck hauling logs will be secured differently than one hauling toilet paper. But improperly secured cargo goes further than just the type of cargo. The wrong straps, worn straps, or the incorrect strength tie-downs can all lead to improperly secured cargo wrecks.
Uneven Cargo Distribution – The weight of the cargo has to be distributed properly throughout the trailer so that it pulls evenly. It’s also based on where in the trailer the weight actually ends up. Check out this short video that shows how the wrong weight distribution can cause disastrous effects.
Overloaded Cargo – Too much cargo can mean that the truck is over the weight limit. Stopping is much harder, brakes can fail, and it’s harder to maintain control. Overloaded also means the bulk is too big and can lead to other issues with driving on highways.
Improperly Braced Cargo – Bracing is often done with heavier objects. Rolls of metal, concrete tubing, and more not only require straps to secure them, they require braces to ensure they don’t roll or move during transit.
Cargo Obstructing Views – Drivers need to be able to see what’s going on. If the cargo is loaded in a way that the driver cannot see around it, they are more likely to have an accident.
Common Accidents due to Improperly Loaded Trucks
- Jackknifing – Improperly loaded trucks can jackknife more easily. If you watched the video above, you can see how the weight distribution can cause the trailer to spin out from behind the vehicle.
- Rollovers – Overweight vehicles, and those with too much weight up high, can end up rolling if they take a turn too quickly.
- Cargo Spills – Unsecured cargo, or improperly secured cargo, can spill onto the roadway. The truck may not be in the accident, but the spilled cargo can cause multiple wrecks.
- Loss of Control – Overweight vehicles are harder to control. Not being able to stop on time is a form of losing control.
Herbert Law Group Helps Truck Accident Victims
Truck drivers are trained on how to load their vehicles. They’re also trained on how to inspect their loads to ensure they’re properly secured before hitting the road. When an improperly loaded truck is involved in an accident, the driver may be liable (or the trucking company, or the loading company, or even a third party).
Because it’s not always as easy as saying the driver caused the wreck, that’s why you need Herbert Law Group after you’ve been injured in a truck accident. We’ll help you collect compensation that fully covers the injuries you sustain.
Let’s talk about what happened. Call our offices at 214-414-3808 and we’ll have a free conversation to find out how we can help. You can also fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you.