Accidents involving trucks with heavy loads often occur where the terrain can be considered a factor. An example is the steep and hilly roads of Seattle, Washington. Any truck labor lawyer will point out that these are exacerbated by blind curves, poor lighting, and narrow streets. Whatever the case, the result is often tragic. A vehicle can be destroyed, and profits can be lost due to the spillage of loads of products. At worst, truck accidents can cause severe injury or even death.
We must do everything in our power to prevent this from happening. We should pinpoint the causes of truck accidents. Know some of the common ones below:
Other Cars
Semi-trucks have blind spots, for instance. That is due to the sheer differences in size between them and ordinary passenger cars. It means if a small vehicle goes behind, beside, or in front of a semi-truck, there is a huge chance for them not be reflected on any mirrors. These are perched high on the vehicle to gain a better view of its surroundings. Drivers would not be able to spot things directly in front of them, either. Blind spots endanger the lives of both the car passengers and the truck drivers, so it’s best to honk your car or give a signal before driving into a blind spot.
The Drivers
Aside from the responsibility of the driver to remain sober and healthy enough to be fit for heavy loads and long hours, they must also be familiar with the terrain. Which roads are trucks allowed, for instance? Are these roads steep or hilly? Do they have winding or sharp curves? Are they well lit and near communities? Where are the gas stations? These are some things that have to be made clear during the training of newly-hired drivers.
External Factors
One must also consider external factors. The most common one is the weather. Extreme snowstorms and rains can cloud the visibility of any road. Hail can be dangerous, causing the streets to be uneven. Floods make roads impassable for trucks, while just a little rain can cause slippage. Other external factors involve the load. Here are some examples of things to think about:
- How heavy is the load? Is it necessarily so?
- How are is the weight distributed in the sections of the trunk?
- Is it evenly proportioned for the vehicle?
- Does the truck lean a little bit to the left or right?
- Are all tires sturdy enough?
These are the sort of questions that has to be considered before sending a big truck to the road. The answers can be the difference between life or death.
Truck laborers do more than just deliver heavy loads from one place to another. They do it multiple times, in the wee hours of morning and night, sometimes under stressful conditions. It is no wonder that accidents happen from time to time. It is not an easy job, and it requires alertness and good physical health. Awareness of hazardous professions like this goes a long way.
