An overloaded truck on the highway is a risk not only to the trucker but also to the other cars on Texas roadways. According to North Dixie Truck, an overloaded truck is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Accident prevention begins before the truck hits the road. The sheer size of commercial trucks creates a danger to smaller passenger vehicles. Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries and fatalities. There is no understating the hazard of unsecured or overloaded cargo.
Semi-trucks already have a long braking distance. Truckers can often determine the distance necessary to brake based on the size and weight of the truck. Experience provides truckers with the expertise to stop trucks in time. However, when the truck has more cargo than allotted for, it will increase the braking distance. It is easy for the driver to misjudge the distance. This can lead to truckers stopping in an intersection or failing to stop for obstacles in the road.
The weight on the tires is also a consideration. With more weight on the tires, the tires generate more heat. The heat can raise the center of gravity, wear down the tires and lead to rollover accidents. To make matters worse, the overload leaves the vehicle unbalanced. A truck driver may know how to maneuver a balanced truck, but when the truck is out of balance, he or she may lose control easier. There is state and federal regulations that monitor trucks and those who overload are in violation of these regulations.
The above is meant for educational purposes only. The article is not meant to be interpreted as legal advice.
