Few accidents are as dangerous and damaging for a trucker than a truck rollover. Rollovers account for 9% of all truck crashes, yet according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), rollover accidents account for nearly half of trucker fatalities. Truckers must take proper precautions to prevent a rollover.
The question arises: How can you prevent a rollover? As a professional driver, semi trucks are susceptible to rollover accidents, not only risking your health and life, but also your semi truck and your cargo. The cost to repair of replace your equipment and cargo following a rollover accident can be expensive. In addition, the cost of liability when others are hurt can be substantial.
Take Steps to Prevent A Rollover
- Watch your speed. According to a study undertaken by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, speed is the biggest contributing factor to rollover crashes, being involved in 45% of all crashes. Often, truckers take curves as excessive speed due to misjudging the speed at which curves should be taken, or worse, because they are in a hurry and disregarding the speed limit. Semi trailers are more vulnerable to curves. By watching your speed, properly judging the speed at which you should operate your semi truck, and proper time management, professional drivers can greatly reduce the likelihood of a rollover accident.
- Drive attentively. Inattention is the second biggest factor in rollover accidents. The primary example of inattentive driving is texting or using a handheld device. It takes only one second for an inattentive driver to overlook a hazard, misjudge a curve, or drift off the road and over-correct. Every second behind the wheel requires a professional driver's full attention.
- Check your cargo and truck. Pay attention to how your cargo is loaded and perform a pre-trip and post-trip inspection on your truck. Unsecured cargo can shift in transit which may shift the center of gravity, increasing the risk of a rollover.
- Know your truck. As a driver, it is important to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of your semi truck. Check tire tread and break pads for proper functionality. In addition, check that your tires are not overinflated or underinflated. Underinflated tires can destabilize your vehicle and lead to a rollover.
- Rest. Oftentimes, rollover accidents are caused by drowsiness or losing consciousness. Prioritizing your health and rest, including regular physicals and being proactive, can save your life.
Contact a trucking insurance specialist at Trucking Insurance Services today to take the next step in protecting your semi truck and your company.