Increasing Lengths of Tractor-Trailers Lead to More Accidents
Long-haul trucking is one of the main ways that goods are moved from one place to another. This is a critical part of the economy. However, this does not mean that there should not be reasonable restrictions on the size and length of the tractor-trailers that share the roads with millions of Americans every day. The rising popularity of longer combination vehicles (LCV) is challenging the limits of what may be safe for those sharing the road with tractor-trailers.
By combining cargo areas into two or three trailers, one truck cab can transport far more goods on a single haul. In addition to increased wear on the roadways over which these lengthy behemoths travel, these LCVs also lead to more danger because of increased weight and decreased maneuverability. LCVs can include a twin 48-foot trailer combination or a triple 28-foot vehicle. Tennessee permits a twin trailer combination of two 28-foot 6-inch trailers to travel over the interstate system and other federal-aid highways. These twin LCVs are not permitted to travel over roadways designated as scenic highways. However, their legal use on certain highways means that Tennessee drivers will encounter LCVs on their travels throughout the state.
Trucking companies are focused on maximizing profit for every load they send across Tennessee. Therefore, whenever it is feasible to do so, LCVS will be used in order to haul the largest possible load. This increases the risk to other drivers. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 98% of fatalities resulting from a crash between a large truck and a passenger vehicle are the drivers or passengers of the passenger vehicle, which makes sense because of the weight difference between the car and the truck. The overall length of LCVs and the coupled interface between the trailers leads to a greater chance of jack-knifing, posing additional dangers for the vehicles near the truck when it loses control and jack-knifes across the road. Cars may become caught between the swinging trailers and be crushed as the different sections come together. LCVs also have a greater risk of rollover accidents, locked-up drive axel brakes, driver loss-of-control, and dangerous turns or lane changes.
In addition to the increased danger from a jack-knife and other accidents, LCVs haul larger loads and have longer stopping distances. These combination vehicles, with their significantly increased length and weight, do not handle in the same way as traditional tractor-trailers and often commercial drivers do not get sufficient training about how to operate these trucks in a safe and effective manner.
When there is an accident between a passenger car and a commercial truck, the car driver is at far greater risk of serious injuries or death. If you have been seriously harmed in a truck accident or a loved one has been killed, you need an attorney who understands how to gather evidence and prepare a case against a truck driver, operating company, and any parties responsible for maintenance of the truck. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, our Tennessee truck accident attorneys are here to help you get the compensation that you need to move forward with your life. We invite you to call us at 901-680-9777 so that we can sit down with you and evaluate your legal options in a free and confidential consultation.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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