Regardless of where you travel in Tennessee, you are bound to see dozens of large commercial trucks. While you can typically pass these vehicles without incident, if the truck’s load is not balanced properly, serious accidents, injuries and fatalities may occur.
If you put items in your truck, car, or SUV, you probably don’t think too much about load balance. After all, most items you haul don’t weigh much and will not impact your vehicle’s handling. This is not the case for commercial trucks. Many semi-trucks weigh right at 80,000 pounds, which means balancing loads is a crucial part of staying safe while on the road.
Problems with improperly balanced loads in trucks
There are several potential issues with loads that are not properly balanced, which include the following:
The center of gravity is too high. If cargo is stacked too high, it can result in rollovers when the driver turns or makes sudden maneuvers.
- Oversize or outsize loads. Hauling larger than normal loads requires special driving considerations. This type of load requires special equipment and permits. It can also cause damage to roads or collide with stationary objects on the road.
- Unbalanced loads. If the cargo in a truck is not balanced properly, it can impact handling and cause damage to the truck. Too little or too much weight on the steering axle or drive axle can impact safe turning or traction.
Accidents with commercial trucks
While commercial trucks and truckers play a pivotal role in society today, they also present certain risks on the road. You have the right to pursue compensation for your losses and injuries if you are involved in an accident with a large truck because of an unbalanced load. Knowing your legal rights will help with this.