How Should Truck Drivers Prevent Overloaded Cargo Accidents?
Transport trucks are the backbone of the economy, moving more than 70 to 80 percent of all freight in the United States, and Texas. While the freight is important to ensure that consumers have the goods they need, it is also very heavy. Ensuring it is secured properly is critical to protecting the safety of others on the road.
Some trucking companies use third party vendors to load the cargo onto a truck. These companies have a responsibility to ensure the cargo is loaded properly so no one becomes hurt. However, truck drivers also have certain duties when preventing overloaded cargo accidents. Our San Antonio overloaded truck accident lawyer explains in further detail below.
Weight Management
A truck’s weight plays a very important role when the vehicle is on the roads. To maintain this weight and ensure that a truck is safe, drivers should perform the following:
- Know the limits: Truck drivers should know the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight and the weight limits of the individual axle to ensure they are not exceeded.
- Use weigh stations: Weigh stations have certified scales to verify that loads are within the legal limits. Truckers should use these to ensure their loads are within the legal limits before they head out on the road.
- Ensure loads are evenly distributed: The weight of cargo must be evenly distributed to prevent rollovers and other accidents. Heavier items should be placed toward the front of the trailer and lower to the ground to maintain stability. Side-heavy and top-heavy loads should also be avoided.
Cargo Securement
Cargo must also be secured properly to ensure it does not move during transport. This includes:
- Complying with FMCSA standards: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlines several rules for cargo securement requiring cargo to be secured properly so it does not shift laterally, backward, or forward.
- Utilize proper equipment: Friction mats, chains, straps, and tie-downs all help secure cargo and truck drivers should use these to ensure cargo does not shift.
- Cargo inspection: Truck drivers should thoroughly inspect cargo before leaving for a trip and then at mandatory intervals while they are traveling to their destination.
Defensive Driving
Of course, the manner in which a truck driver operates their vehicle also plays a pivotal role in ensuring overloaded cargo does not pose a threat to others. This includes:
- Adjusting for weight: Truckers should drive slower and allow for longer braking distances, as overloaded trucks need even more time to slow down and stop.
- Avoiding abrupt maneuvers: Truck drivers should also avoid sudden lane changes or sharp turns that could cause a heavy, unstable load to result in a rollover.
Our Overloaded Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Help After a Crash
Although truck drivers should take many steps to avoid an overloaded truck accident, they do not always perform them. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio overloaded truck accident lawyer can determine what caused your injuries and who is liable so you can take the necessary legal action. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules
