Reducing Your Risk Of A Cargo Tank Rollover
Working as a truck driver can be a great way to generate income while having the opportunity to travel the nation. Unfortunately, spending so much time on the road can make a truck driver more likely to be involved in an accident. If you routinely drive cargo tanks, then preventing rollovers is a safety concern that should always be on your mind.
Here are three tips that you can use to help ensure your cargo tank doesn't roll while you are behind the wheel in the future.
1. Know the road conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.
One of the easiest things that you can do to help prevent a cargo tank rollover in the future is be aware of the road conditions while you are working. Variations in weather, traffic, and the road surface can all change the way your cargo tank handles.
Statistics show that 23% of accidents involving truck drivers are the direct result of a trucker traveling too fast for the unique road conditions, Gather as much information about the roads you will be traveling as possible, then adjust your speed to accommodate for these conditions to prevent your cargo tank from rolling over.
2. Know the limitations in the road design when you are behind the wheel.
In order to maintain safety while behind the wheel of a cargo tank, you need to consider how the design of the road itself will affect your ability to maneuver the tanker out of harm's way.
If the road you are driving on contains many blind curves, you will need to slow down to give yourself enough time to react to these curves without rolling your cargo tank. A road that has steep drop-offs and a narrow shoulder should also be navigated slowly to help prevent rollovers.
3. Ensure that your cargo tank is properly maintained.
Mechanical failure can contribute to a rollover accident, so it's important that you ensure the cargo tank you will be driving has been properly maintained.
If you are driving for a company, ask to see maintenance records for your assigned vehicle so that you can identify any potential safety hazards before hitting the road. If you own your own cargo tank, then be sure you are regularly servicing the engine, tires, and brakes to prevent a rollover caused by mechanical failure.
Taking the time to learn the road conditions, road design, and maintenance history of a big rig will help you prevent cargo tank rollovers in the future. For more information on how you can prevent accidents due to negligence, talk to a lawyer like those at Hornthal Riley Ellis & Maland LLP.