Oversized Truck Loads Can Lead To Increased Accidents
Considering that large trucks are already high-weight and hard to stop and control, adding an over-sized load to the equation can lead to an exponential increased risk for a serious truck accident. These large loads are often wide and may have two or more trailers, creating a monstrous presence on roadways. When the unexpected happens and these trucks have to try to maneuver or stop quickly, the results can be disastrous.
Oversized Truck Accidents
You only need to look as far as YouTube if you want to see the results of these large loads on the highways. Although precautions may be taken with these large loads, they do not negate the fact that they are large and unwieldy, making controlling them difficult at best.
- Higher chance of fatality. The heavier the load, the more likely it is to be in a fatal crash. Even legal load trucks at 80,000 lbs are over 50% more likely to be in a fatal crash then loads that weigh less then 65,000.
- Stopping distance is much longer. The stopping distance increases by about 25% for each additional 20,000 lbs over 80,000. That means if an 80,000 lb vehicle takes 300 ft to stop, a 120,000 lb vehicle may take 450 ft, to stop. That is 1½-football fields! 11 people were killed on the Amtrak train in 1999 when a semi-truck could not stop in time for a railroad crossing and it was not even an over-sized load.
- Lower clearance. In January of 2000, an oversized load truck with both pilot cars and a police escort accidentally got off its approved route and was lodged on a California railway crossing due to low clearance. A train hit the load, causing over $2 million in damages and several injuries.
Regulations On Over-Sized Loads
Lawmakers know these trucks are dangerous and have many regulations on when, where and how they can transport goods. These restrictions alone show how these large cargo loads are perceived as dangerous.
- Their sheer weight can make them unable to travel on certain highways and bridges that cannot handle them. All their routes must be pre-approved by DOT.
- Many are too high to be able to go under certain bridges or overpasses. Even knowing this, drivers of these large trucks are consistently getting stuck or causing damage to bridges and overpasses trying to go under them.
- They need pilot cars to guide them and in most states are not allowed to travel at night.
When encountering one of these vehicles on the road, give them plenty of space. If the unexpected happens, the driver has little control over a load that is over-sized or overweight. The load can shift and even overturn the trailer or entire vehicle if the driver tries to stop or swerve. It is best to try and avoid these dangerous trucks whenever possible.
Oversized truck loads can indeed contribute to an increased risk of accidents on the road. Several factors contribute to this heightened risk:
- Limited Visibility: Oversized loads can obstruct the driver’s view, as well as the view of other drivers on the road. This limited visibility increases the chances of collisions, especially during lane changes and turns.
- Difficulty Maneuvering: Trucks carrying oversized loads may have difficulty maneuvering through turns, narrow passages, and intersections. This can result in challenges for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle, posing a higher risk of accidents.
- Extended Stopping Distances: Trucks with oversized loads often require longer distances to come to a complete stop. If drivers are not aware of these extended stopping distances, it can lead to rear-end collisions or other accidents where sudden stops are required.
- Structural Integrity of Roads and Bridges: Oversized loads may exceed the weight limits established for roads and bridges. This can lead to damage to the infrastructure, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in areas with aging or inadequate road conditions.
- Challenges in Overtaking: Overtaking an oversized load can be challenging for other drivers, especially on two-lane roads. This can lead to impatient drivers attempting risky maneuvers, resulting in accidents.
- Wind Resistance: Oversized loads can create significant wind resistance, making the truck more susceptible to crosswinds. This can affect the stability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
- Inadequate Warning Systems: Insufficient warning systems on oversized vehicles may fail to alert other drivers to the potential hazards associated with these loads. This lack of awareness can contribute to accidents, especially during sudden maneuvers or emergency situations.
To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for transportation authorities, trucking companies, and drivers to adhere to safety regulations, provide proper warning signals, and ensure that oversized loads are transported safely and responsibly. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and driver education can help reduce the likelihood of accidents involving oversized truck loads.
(Editor Notes: Oversized Loads and Trucking accidents are a problem in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and across the United States. If you are injured as a result of a RI Truck or Trucking Accident Please contact East Providence Personal Injury Lawyer David Slepkow)