Dangers of Overloaded Trucks

As you drive down one of the various highways in Houston, you may see semi trucks on the road. These are huge vehicles that often carry large loads. A fully loaded semi truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. That’s 40 tons. Compare that to the average passenger vehicle, which is around 3,000 pounds, and you can see why these trucks can be scary.

On top of that, many of these trucks are overloaded. Overloading trucks is a huge problem in the trucking industry. It leads to unsafe situations and serious accidents that can lead to injuries and even fatalities. In fact, statistics show that improperly loaded and overloaded trucks are some of the top causes of truck accidents. Here are a few dangers to keep in mind:

• Increased accident risk. Overloading is not only unsafe but it is also against the law. It violates numerous state and federal regulations. When a vehicle is overloaded, the braking distance increases. Overloading can raise the center of gravity, which adds to rollover risk. In addition, the chances of the driver losing control of the vehicle and causing an accident increases.
• Difficulty maneuvering. Even if the truck does not roll over, it can still become hard for the driver to turn and accelerate when it is overloaded. The lighter a vehicle is, the easier it is to operate, Overloading can easily cause loss of control.
• Tire failure. Tire failure rates are also higher because when the load increases, the tires run hotter. Also, overloaded trucks put more pressure on their tires, which can lead to tire blowouts. These can make it difficult to control the truck.
• Axle overloading. Even if the weight of the loaded truck is within limits, the vehicle may still be overloaded if a portion of the maximum payload of the truck is on just one axle. Load distribution is important, so if the rear axle is carrying more than 90% of the total load, the front axle does not have enough weight on the driving surface, which can cause premature wear and tear on tires and suspension.
• Increased maintenance. Overloading puts a lot of pressure on various components of the truck. This shortens a truck’s service while also increasing operating expenses. Statistics show that overloading is actually the main cause of unscheduled maintenance for fleet trucks.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Truck drivers and trucking companies need to be wary of their loads. They may want to get as much as possible in a truck, but overloading can cause loss of control and serious accidents.

A Houston overloaded truck accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can assist you with your case. These cases can be complex, but we have the skills and experience to get you a favorable outcome. Contact us as soon as possible so we can assess your case and hold the liable parties responsible. Call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation today.

Source:

northdixietruck.com/dangers-overloading-truck/#:~:text=When%20a%20vehicle%20is%20overloaded%20the%20braking,is%20raised;%20which%20adds%20to%20rollover%20risk.