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One of the hot topics in trucking operations at this time is underride crashes. These crashes involve other vehicles hitting the back end of trailers, going under the sides of trailers, or getting caught under trailers on turns. These type of crashes are litigation nightmares for the trucking industry and the drivers involved. At the heart of the issue are any mistakes or improper actions by the truck driver. The actions or inactions of truck drivers can lead to fault and responsibility for the underride crash. This article explains some of the issues under truck drivers control. Survey all areas you are operating, so you know what is going on all around you. Observe speed limits, do not change lanes unnecessarily, do not ride in left lane on multiple lane highways, keep a safe following distance and never tailgate. Remember you can not stop like a car or pick up truck. At night be more alert and on guard as you are not as visible and are more susceptible to encounter an underride crash therefore keep all lights and reflectors clean and working properly. Operating errors can and will add to the bearing of responsibility even if the actions of other persons seem to be unreasonable. You as a professional driver may think you are operating properly but there are issues and circumstances that can alter the outcome of an underride crash lawsuit. Do not ever try to turn around in an area deemed not suitable for a tractor-trailer. If an area is not a hard surface completely off the highway and berm, it is not an appropriate area for you to turn around.Make sure in trip planning that you have good directions and plan your stops for meals/rest and fuel. Do not stop on the side of the roadway or berm to use the restroom, cell phone, satellite, look at a map, check tires, loads, chains/straps, lights or for any other reason other than an extreme emergency or breakdown. In these emergency/breakdown situations make sure you have your 4-ways on and also put out your safety triangles properly. You as a truck driver are exposing yourself to a rear end crash by stopping on the side of the roadway. This same advice applies to on/off ramps, they are not approved pull off areas. You not only have the risk of being hit while sitting stationary but you are also risking the occurence of a crash while re-entering the highways at slower speeds. Survey all situations where you as a truck driver cross intersecting highways to deliver/pick up, fuel eat, park or rest as you are placing yourself at a great risk when crossing and getting back up to speed. If someone were to hit you in the side or rear in these type of situations you may be at fault for failure to yield to oncoming traffic already on the highway. The weather, visibility, and time of day sunlight/darkness all increase the risk of crashes and liability. Plan all of your stops ahead of time with consideration for time of day, traffic flow, weather and safety for yourself and the motoring public.
*Author's Note:All Rights Reserved.©2000 Robert Reed
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