Twin Trailers and Untrained Truckers: A Dangerous Combo
Big trucks pulling two trailers. Truckers call them doubles, twins, or twin combos. Operating a double can be tricky even for the most experienced driver. And drivers undergo specialized training to learn to safely maneuver these big rigs. Right? Think again!
The Tennessee Department of Safety Trucker’s Handbook reports that according to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) study, many truck drivers get behind the wheel of twin combos without being properly trained to drive them.
According to the Trucker’s Handbook, twin combos are much harder to steer than their single trailer counterparts, particularly when changing lanes or braking. To illustrate, a truck driver lost control of his twin combo when he steered sharply to pass a vehicle. Both trailers began swinging from side to side. The first trailer hit the vehicle; the other broke away and rolled over on the road. In another accident report, the driver of a twin trailer rig on a two-lane road swerved onto the shoulder to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle. When the driver attempted to steer back onto the road, the rear trailer began weaving, broke away and rolled over. As in the previous example, the driver was an experienced single unit driver.
Both stories above were taken from actual accident reports cited in the NTSB study. Researchers found that many drivers interviewed had been trained only on the inspection and hookup of multiple trailers. In some cases drivers had never been behind the wheel of a multiple trailer unit. Think about that the next time a twin combo passes you on the interstate. Never assume that driver knows what he is doing.
As Memphis truck accident attorneys, we believe that your safety comes first. At Bailey & Greer, we work hard to represent you when you are injured in a Tennessee truck accident. Call us toll-free today to request a free consultation at 901-680-9777.
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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