How Cargo on Trucks Can Cause Accidents

When we think of truck accidents, our minds often focus on high speeds or driver errors. However, proper protocol, when it comes to loading cargo on trucks, plays a crucial role in safety, and when cargo loading errors occur, it can negatively affect the driver’s ability to drive safely. Below, Tiemann Law Firm delves into how truck cargo can cause accidents and influence the driving conditions for everyone on the road:

The Risks of Improperly Secured Cargo

1. Shifting Loads: One of the most common causes of truck accidents is shifting cargo. When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit. This movement affects the truck’s balance, making it difficult for drivers to maintain control, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops.
2. Overloading: Overloading a truck beyond its recommended weight capacity can lead to hazardous driving conditions. Excessive weight strains the truck’s brakes and tires, increasing the risk of brake failure or tire blowouts, which can result in accidents.
3. Unbalanced Loads: Unevenly distributed cargo can cause the truck to become unstable. This imbalance affects the truck’s handling, making it prone to tipping over or swaying, particularly on curves or during high winds.
4. Cargo Spills: If cargo is not properly secured, it can spill onto the road, creating dangerous obstacles for other drivers. This can lead to collisions, particularly if the spilled cargo includes hazardous materials.

How Improper Cargo Securing Affects Road Safety

1. Reduced Visibility: Large or poorly secured loads can obstruct the driver’s view, leading to reduced visibility and an increased risk of collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
2. Increased Stopping Distance: Overloaded trucks require more distance to stop safely. In emergency situations, this extended stopping distance can prevent the driver from avoiding accidents.
3. Enhanced Risk of Jackknifing: When cargo shifts, it can cause the truck to jackknife, where the trailer swings to the side and forms an angle with the cab. This can result in severe accidents, blocking traffic and causing multi-vehicle collisions.

Understanding how cargo on trucks can cause accidents is essential for improving road safety. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a truck accident, contact us today for a free, same-day consultation by calling (916) 999-9000 or toll-free: (800) 712-2000.