There are more than 400,000 truck accidents in the U.S. each year. At the same time, many result from rear-endings and poor merging techniques; other causes of catastrophic crashes are rarely expected. With that in mind, here are three causes of truck accidents most drivers would never expect.
Tire Blowouts
Semi-trucks create a lot of friction; if their tires aren’t properly inflated, it can lead to a collision cascade on the highway. Tire blowouts are not the same as a flat; they tend to be explosive and can be identified by a loud bang followed by pieces of the tire falling into traffic.
A blowout represents a huge problem for everyone on the road. First, a tire blowout can cause a sudden loss of control, leading to the semi-truck drifting across multiple lanes, potentially into oncoming traffic. As these incidents can happen without warning, there is no way for drivers to prepare themselves for these events, and it can be extremely difficult to avoid an oncoming truck at highway speeds.
Second, the tire sidewall can go tumbling into traffic behind the truck. These tire scraps usually weigh between 50-100 pounds and can total a vehicle (or even go through the windshield) as they fly into traffic at highway speeds. The only way to prepare for this kind of accident is to increase the following distance whenever you’re near a truck or quickly pass them when possible.
High Winds
Because semi-truck trailers have much more surface area than the average vehicle, they are much more susceptible to being knocked over in high winds. For that reason, most truck drivers stay off the roads at wind speeds over 60 MPH. However, some drivers take their chances and go against the wind, not realizing that a sharp gust could knock them on their side (and injure anyone driving around them).
Even lower wind speeds aren’t necessarily safe. While a fully loaded semi can withstand wind speeds as high as 55 MPH, a truck with an empty trailer or one with improper weight distribution can present many problems and be knocked over at significantly lower wind speeds.
Fires
Because trucks are so large, slowing them down takes a lot of energy. However, if tire pressure isn’t within normal limits or the brake pads are worn down, braking can produce enough friction to cause a fire in the wheel well. These kinds of fires are extremely difficult to put out.
While it may seem unlikely, these so-called “thermal incidents” account for about 1-in-25 truck crashes in the U.S. Moreover, these incidents can turn catastrophic for trucks hauling flammable materials, as the tanker could combust if the fire isn’t put out quickly.
When someone is injured or killed in a truck crash, they and their families have a right to pursue justice. If you or someone you love has been injured and need help moving forward, our team is here for you. To discuss your case with an experienced Shreveport truck accident attorney from Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, please email us or call (318) 221-1508 today.
