A semi-truck with an empty trailer may weigh up to 35,000 pounds. With a fully loaded trailer attached, it may weigh up to 80,000 pounds, legally. If the semi-truck exceeds the federal weight limit, the driver could receive jail time, a fine, a license revocation, and other consequences. Semi-truck drivers must stop at weigh stations for accountability.
Further, if the overweight semi-truck caused a fatal accident, the driver would face even more severe charges. Consider four dangers of an overweight semi-truck:
1. An overweight semi-truck can cause tire blowouts.
Too much weight in a semi-truck’s trailer can cause tire blowouts, as they can only handle so much weight for an extended period. When one or more tires are compromised, it will be challenging to steer the truck. A fatal accident could occur if the semi-truck driver cannot get off the road in time.
2. An overweight semi-truck is more prone to rollover accidents.
Due to an elevated center of gravity, an overweight semi-truck is more prone to rollover accidents. Rollover accidents may occur if the driver identifies a problem on the road and attempts to swerve or change lanes. Because the semi-truck is overweight, it cannot make the fast lane change and may roll over. This endangers the vehicles and people around the truck.
3. An overweight semi-truck can have premature brake failure.
An overweight semi-truck will put more pressure on the brakes, making them work harder. If the truck driver is driving downhill, it will be more difficult to stop the truck when it is overweight. Coupled with premature brake failure, this is a recipe for disaster.
4. An overweight semi-truck can be subject to steering loss.
When a semi-truck is overweight, the fully loaded trailer will affect the ease of steering for the driver. To protect other drivers, the semi-truck driver would need extra space and time to maneuver safely or stop the truck. However, spare time and space are not always available, and the consequences of steering loss due to an overweight truck could be deadly.
Our attorneys zealously fight for semi-truck accident victims! Call us today for a free consultation: 478-254-5040
Stay tuned for our six-part series on semi-truck accidents:
- 5 Fatal Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
- 4 Ways the Size & Weight of a Semi-Truck Affects Drivability
- 4 Factors that Determine a Semi-Truck’s Stopping Distance
- Explaining the Dangers & Fatal Consequences of an Overweight Semi-Truck
- How to Avoid a Squeeze Play Accident with a Semi-Truck
Simple Tips to Minimize Semi-Truck Accidents at an Intersection