Sharing the road with a truck in Florida is usually a mundane experience. However, some circumstances increase the risk of a serious accident such as a rollover. Truck drivers can prevent a rollover accident by taking certain steps.
Why truck rollovers occur
Truck rollovers can happen for a number of reasons. Speeding and fatigued driving commonly lead to such accidents, especially when traveling around a curve in the road. They can also occur when the truck is overloaded with cargo and exceeds the federal weight limit. Poor weather conditions that cause the road to become wet and slick can also cause the truck to slide or skid and roll over.
Preventing truck rollovers
Truck drivers can do their part to prevent a rollover from happening and keep themselves and everyone else on the road safer. Staying within the legal speed limit can keep things moving normally and prevent a potentially deadly accident from occurring. The driver should also stay focused and alert while avoiding distractions.
Driving a truck requires a lot of discipline and patience. The trucker should always be well-rested to avoid fatigue behind the wheel and a potential rollover accident. Drowsy driving has been shown to be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs due to the way it affects one’s ability to control a vehicle.
Truckers should regularly perform maintenance checks to ensure that their trucks are in proper, safe working condition. This includes all the different parts of the vehicle. If something is amiss, seeing a mechanic for repairs can keep the truck in safer condition.
Cargo should always be properly secured using appropriately sized tie-downs. The tie-downs should be in good condition and strong enough to hold the cargo load in place for the duration of the trip.
Truck rollovers are severe accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries or death. Being responsible can keep everyone safe.