Being Overweight Is Never Good, But In Commercial Trucks, It’s Downright Dangerous.

Have you ever wondered what makes an accident between a car (or, heaven forbid, a motorcycle) and a commercial trucking vehicle so horrendous?

Mass.

The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and semis that are frequently loaded down with large quantities of products or heavy equipment cause these massive vehicles to be extremely dangerous for other drivers on the road.
And, things get worse if a big-rig is overweight.

The Dangers of Being Overweight.

While we all understand the danger that being overweight can pose to one’s health, when it comes to big rigs, the stakes are even higher.
Overloaded trucks pose a significant threat to motorists because with more weight, stopping the truck becomes more difficult. Overweight trucks are more likely to lose control and flip if the driver has to make sudden adjustments like swerving.
In addition to the threats they pose to other motorists on the roads, overloaded and overweight trucks are a danger to themselves. Overloading the truck can cause damage to the brake and steering systems of a truck. And if the brakes don’t work right, the chances of an accident increase, again endangering other motorists on the road.
Additionally, an overweight load is less likely to be secure, causing items on the truck to fall off (going at high speeds down the highway). Other risks include the fact that the load can shift in a way the truck is not designed to handle, causing the truck to become imbalanced.
Overweight trucks can cause any number of problems like loss of control, tire blowouts, rollovers, or increased velocity while going downhill.

Rules and Regulations.

The federal agency charged with regulating the trucking industry, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has enacted regulations that address the safety issues overweight trucks pose to the general public. State laws also govern truck drivers and trucking companies when it comes to truck weight and other safety issues.

FMCSA regulations prohibit:

• Overweight trucks
• Overloaded trucks
• Improperly loaded trucks.

But do truckers and truck companies always comply with all the rules? Not always. Which is why overweight and improperly loaded trucks are the main factor in trucking accidents.

Injured? Call Us.

At the Day Law Group, we understand truck accidents and the devastation they can cause. That’s why we work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. If you were injured in a trucking accident, call us. We offer free consultations, and we can help. Contact us ToDay or call 225-200-0000.