Indiana truck drivers have a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders when it comes to transporting loads across the country. With a constant demand for supplies, there are often pressures to overload the truck to deliver more products. Any truck driver who decides to get behind the wheel of a truck that is overloaded can potentially cause a very dangerous collision.
The truck becomes volatile
Commercial trucking accidents are a common result of overloaded trucks where the driver is unable to control their vehicle. As a truck becomes heavier during reloading, various aspects of it become more volatile. When a driver tries to turn the truck, it’s more likely to capsize over. In addition, an overloaded truck can be more volatile in the sense that it takes longer to slow down, so truck drivers are less likely to be able to stop for unexpected obstacles on the roadway.
Damage to the truck
When a driver consistently chooses to overload their truck, they’re putting their truck components at risk for damage. Heavier loads require more braking power, and the brakes tend to wear out very quickly. In some cases, the brakes can actually overheat, and the driver can lose the overall effectiveness of the brakes when they’re trying to slow down. Also, overloaded driving takes a big toll on the tires of the truck. As the tires wear out faster due to overheating, their chances of being blown out increase tremendously.
While some drivers may try to overload their trucks to deliver more products, they’re putting themselves and other drivers on the roadway at risk for an accident. If you’ve recently been injured by a truck, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of an attorney to represent your case.