Most people are aware that there are weight limits for commercial vehicles, and that trucks have to stop at weigh stations at various intervals in their travels. Some of the weight restrictions are meant to minimize road damage caused by heavy trucks. Weigh stations check weight for safety reasons, but also in an effort to catch trucks carrying illegal, undocumented cargo. However, the most important reason for weight restrictions and enforcement is safety. An overloaded truck is dangerous in many ways; some are less obvious than others.
- Heavier trucks require more stopping distance
- A truck that is too heavy will travel too fast going downhill
- The added momentum going downhill can cause the breaks to fail
- Too much weight can cause tire blowout
- Overloading can raise the center of gravity of the truck making it easier to rollover
- Overloading can also mean too much of the weight is to the rear, and not enough is on the front tires; this makes steering difficult
- A truck that is too heavy will be very slow going uphill and can be rear-ended by vehicles coming around blind corners
- A truck that is over the weight rating for a bridge or overpass can cause it to collapse
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a trucking accident, please contact us today. Your initial consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis so you don’t pay unless you get paid.
