When driving, you probably see commercial trucks all the time in Connecticut. These trucks can pose unique dangers that all drivers should be aware of.
Cargo is improperly loaded
If a commercial truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it can cause excessive wear and tear on the tires and brakes. Over time, it could cause the driver to lose control, so the truck rolls over.
There is exposure to chemicals
Tanker trucks have liquid as their cargo, so liquid shifts and can cause imbalances which could lead to rollovers. Also, there can be hazardous or combustible chemicals; if something crashes into it, that could lead to an explosion, burns, or other chronic conditions.
A jackknife can happen
With much larger vehicles, a truck can jackknife, which happens when the trailer spins toward the cab colliding with it. This causes a crash that is often deadly for the truck driver and other drivers.
It is harder to slow down
Due to the weight, it is much harder for a driver to slow down the commercial truck. The weight also means it will cause much more damage if it hits something. Finally, weather conditions can make slowing down even harder.
There can be sleep deprivation
Although it is not a good thing, many people will drive while sleep-deprived, which has been a much larger problem for truck drivers since they drive long hours. That is why many regulations have been put in place to reduce accidents though many believe it actually messes up the driver’s sleep schedule even more.
What should you do?
If you have been in an accident involving a commercial truck, it can be a much larger legal battle. It often consists of the company, insurance companies, and many other defendants.