Mechanical failure can be the source of tractor trailer accidents at any given point in time. Factors such as tire and brake failure can present problems to truck driver’s at any point in time. When these issues occur while on the road, they create safety risks for the driver and others on the road. However, some of these crashes are avoidable. Here are a few ways to avoid crashes due to mechanical failure.
Mechanical Failure: Common Problems and Keys to Avoiding Them
Brake Failure.. Brake failure may not always mean a driver’s brakes do not work. If a driver needs his brakes and they fail to react quickly, this is still a case of brake failure. Since tractor trailers are so heavy, a lot of stress sits on those brakes. Performing regular brake check-ups and tests can help you to be sure that they are responding correctly.
Wheel and Hub Failure.. It is also common for trucking accidents to be the result of a wheel coming loose and falling off. These crashes can be quite deadly. When wheel and hub failure occurs, the wheel itself often goes flying off. This causes safety problems for the driver, as he is often spinning out of control following a failure. This also causes problems for the other driver who is left to avoid the rogue wheel, as well as the truck itself. For this reason, it is imperative that driver’s do regular check up on the wheels, not just the tires.
Tire Failure.. Tire failure is also a cause for concern. In most of these cases, the tread of the tire becomes detached. As a result, the driver loses control of the tractor trailer. Causes for tread detachment can come from too little air in the tires, a heavy load, a heavy truck, or excess use. This is why regular checks, and replacement of tires, is so important to avoiding mechanical failure.
Mechanical Failure: The Driver’s Responsibility
While some mechanical failures happens because of defects in the products, most of the time is it normal wear and tear. Therefore, it is a driver’s duty to make everything runs up to par before hitting the open road. To avoid instances such as these, states will issue a CDL, or commercial drivers license, for truck drivers to make sure they are aware of their responsibility. A driver should adhere to the guidelines that come alone with the CDL to ensure safe travel for themselves and others. But most importantly, a driver should do regular check ups every few thousand miles. Doing so will make clear to the driver if things are, or are not, still running smoothly.