The Dangers of Overloaded Trucks

We have all experienced at least one of these scenarios. You are driving down the road when an eighteen-wheeler begins merging into your lane, causing you to swerve out of the way. Or perhaps that eighteen-wheeler has started to sway a bit too much for your liking, forcing you to switch lanes and speed ahead. While delivery trucks are absolutely necessary for our society’s functioning, they certainly pose a threat to the average driver they share the road with. By far, though, one of the biggest risks is overloaded trucks. The dangers of overloaded trucks are often underestimated, but they can lead to serious accidents.

What Qualifies as an Overloaded Truck?

Regardless of classification, all vehicles must follow gross combined weight ratings. Individual features, such as a vehicle’s suspension, tires, brakes, and axle system all contribute to the maximum weight rating a vehicle can handle. If a truck surpasses its maximum weight rating, it can pose a significant risk not only to the driver of the vehicle, but also to the other drivers they are sharing the road with. If a truck does not adhere to these requirements and is improperly loaded or not secured correctly, serious accidents will likely occur.

How are Overloaded Trucks a Risk to the Average Driver?

While all overloaded vehicles pose a threat to other drivers on the road, overloaded trucks pose an even greater danger, as they limit the vehicle’s function and safety features. For example, if a truck is consistently overloaded, the brakes will begin to wear down, causing the truck to struggle to stop quickly if needed. This, of course, also increases the likelihood that a collision will occur. Similarly, overloaded trucks are more prone to instability or decreased control, resulting in an increased risk of tipping, swaying, and, even worse, jackknifing.

These actions not only threaten the safety of the driver but also everyone else on the road. Also, the weight of overloaded trucks causes significant wear and tear on the vehicle’s axle and tires, resulting in more frequent breakdowns and repairs in the long run. Additionally, abrupt stops caused by mechanical failure further increase the already elevated risks associated with overloaded trucks. To say the least, the risks of overloading trucks are significant and should be top of mind, both for truck drivers and the average driver.

Talk With Us Today To Learn More About the Dangers of Overloaded Semi-Trucks

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with an overloaded truck, we urge you to consider hiring a personal injury attorney. The injuries you sustain from an accident of this size could be debilitating, and so can the medical bills from your hospital stay. While your healing process may be complex and painful, your case does not have to be. The team at Smith Hulsey Law is committed to relentlessly representing injured individuals, ensuring that they receive the support they need. Discuss the dangers of overloaded trucks today.