All truckers are required to carry a commercial driver’s license because of the need to know how to properly and safely operate a big, heavy rig. There are many mistakes truck drivers can make that could cause a serious accident to himself or others. One in particular is if the driver of a big commercial truck doesn’t brake properly. In such cases, a number of scenarios can occur; it can jackknife, rollover, skid, or crash.
Improper braking by truckers is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. That’s why truck drivers require extensive training and education to make sure they know how to handle their vehicle.
Proper braking techniques for truckers
For safe braking, truckers are required to do the following:
- Measure the system’s air pressure by pressing down on the brakes for a few minutes, paying attention to the gauge that indicates the system is working properly
- Apply steady pressure to the brake when engaging the anti-lock braking system and when using the system in icy road conditions
- Utilize traction control in bad weather
- Put the vehicle in neutral before engaging the parking brake
How does improper braking by truckers cause accidents?
Accidents occur when truck drivers don’t use proper braking techniques. The following are the most common causes of such accidents.
- Hydroplaning by using the wrong braking technique on wet roads
- Not downshifting when slowing down the speed of the truck
- When driving down an incline, failing to press on the brakes before the speed increases
- Causing the truck to jackknife, skid or rollover by entering a curve too fast
- Shifting or spilling of the cargo aboard by braking too hard
- Using the wrong gear going up inclines or down steep hills
- Using the brakes to much going downhill, causing them to overheat and subsequently fail
- Driving through deep puddles causing the brakes to get wet which can then cause wheel lockups, pulling to one side, loss of braking power, and jackknifing
- Using brake retarders in inclement weather, causing the wheels to lose traction
- Applying the brakes too late to stop, causing collisions with other vehicles or objects
- Not differentiating how to brake with a full load and an empty load. An empty truck has less traction and will require a longer stopping distance.
- Defective brakes
Issues with braking improperly and defective brakes can cause accident injuries that are usually more serious than other types of motor vehicle accidents. That is because commercial trucks are longer, wider and weigh much more than a passenger car. The results can be tragic.
If you are the victim of a trucking accident caused by the truck driver’s improper braking or other careless act, please give us a call. We have a great deal of experience dealing with tractor trailer accidents would like to help you in any way possible.
If you have questions about this article or any other questions related to personal injury law, please call us toll free at 1-800-LAW-1333. Our personal injury consultations are always free.
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