By Wayne Grant on September 28, 2010 -
If you have spent much time on the highway you have probably seen the huge remnants of tires left behind after blowouts from semi tractor-trailer trucks. Just the rubber they leave in the road can create a hazardous obstacle that can lead to an auto accident.
A tire blowout on any vehicle is a very dangerous situation that is likely to lead to an accident. Even the most skilled and experienced truck driver may not be able to avoid a crash if his truck has a blowout. However, blowouts themselves are usually avoidable.
Improper Tire Inflation
Overinflated or underinflated tires are both more likely to blowout. Overinflated tires blow out due to pressure from inside of the tire. Over-inflation is often combined with and overweight truck, making a blowout even more likely.
Underinflated tires flex. This puts pressure on the sidewalls which can cause a blowout. The flexing can also mean breaking the seal that keeps the tire attached to the wheel. Underinflated tires also have a tendency to get very hot. Overheated tires are more likely to blowout.
Hotter Than Georgia Asphalt
We have all heard the expression. Extreme heat increases the likelihood of a blowout. Truckers travelling in Georgia during the summer need to pay special attention to the condition of their tires and regularly check their air pressure.
If you have been injured, or a loved one has been injured or killed in a trucking accident, please contact our Georgia trucking accident lawyers today. Your initial consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis so you don’t pay unless we recover on your behalf.
By Wayne Grant on September 14, 2010 -
Truckers and trucking companies have been pushing for higher weight limits for years. Since a higher weight limit means trucks can haul more in one load and increase profits, it has always been something that the trucking industry could benefit from. In the past, they have failed to get the weight limit raised because they faced tremendous opposition and they fought the battle alone. Now that has changed.
On August 15, 2010, the Wall Street Journal reported that Congress is considering changing the law to increase the weight limit on interstate highways by 20% upping it from 80,000 to 97,000 pounds.
This time 150 companies, including large influential companies such as Coca-Cola, Kraft, and MillerCoors, are pushing for the weight limit increase and it looks like there is a good chance it could go through.
Supporters say that hauling more freight in fewer loads saves fuel and reduces carbon emissions. They also claim that since the heavier trucks will be required to have a sixth axle, that the weight increase will not pose an increased safety hazard. Some say that it may even improve safety by getting the heavier trucks off of secondary roads, where they can now legally travel, and onto the interstates.
Those opposed to the new law believe that increased weight will mean more trucking accidents, and damage to roads and bridges.
If you have been injured, or a loved one has been injured or killed in a trucking accident, please contact our trucking accident attorneys today. Your initial consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis so you don’t pay unless we recover on your behalf.
