Proper Vehicle Maintenance Can Prevent Truck Accidents

While proper maintenance is important to the safe operation of all vehicles, it is particularly important for commercial vehicles, like semi-trucks. These kinds of trucks simply experience a lot more wear and tear than most vehicles, which can take its toll on the brake systems, tires, suspension, and more. Unfortunately, many companies fail to regularly inspect and repair their vehicles, which can have catastrophic consequences for other road users. Read on to learn more about the kinds of maintenance procedures that commercial trucking companies and their drivers are required to conduct on a regular basis.

Checking Brake Condition

 The brake systems on trucks are notorious for wearing out relatively quickly. This makes sense when you consider the fact that these trucks often weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. With the consistent heavy loads being transported, as well as the frequent stopping required of these vehicles, it is not uncommon for the brake pads, rotors, and other brake system components to wear out. To avoid a sudden loss of braking power, drivers should be sure to conduct visual inspections and brake testing weekly, in addition to more in-depth testing when necessary. Taking these steps can go a long way towards preventing serious truck accidents.

Checking the Tires 

Tires are another part of commercial vehicles that tend to wear out faster than tires on passenger vehicles. As treads wear down and traction lowers, it becomes a lot harder to come to a stop and significantly increases the chances of a blowout. A bald tire that strikes a pothole can easily become punctured and result in a loss of control of the vehicle. Drivers should be sure to check their tires regularly, keeping an eye out for tears, worn treads, slow leaks, bulges, and punctures. It’s also a good idea to check the axles on the vehicle, as a lack of alignment can result in uneven wear on the tires, causing a truck to pull to the left or right.

Checking the Headlights and Signals 

Many truck drivers are required to drive through the night, making it especially important that they have working headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights. These lights communicate a driver’s intention to turn, merge, or come to a stop, so if those lights aren’t functional, it can easily lead to a collision. Another safety measure that is unique to commercial trucks is reflective tape, which outlines a truck’s parameters. Unfortunately, all of these safety features degrade over time and a failure to recognize the need for replacements can lead to a truck becoming essentially invisible during the nighttime hours.

Experienced Tulsa Trucking Accident Lawyers

 Failing to conduct regular maintenance on a commercial vehicle makes it harder for trucks to come to a stop, can cause a loss of control, and increases the chances of a blowout, all of which make it more likely that a truck will cause a crash. Call us at Levinson Law, P.C. for help determining whether your own accident was the result of a trucking company’s negligence. You can set up a meeting with one of our experienced Tulsa truck accident lawyers by calling 918-492-4433 today.

Sources: 

csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/Documents/FMC_CSA_12_009_BASICs_VehMaint.pdf

csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/SafetyPlanner/MyFiles/Sections.aspx?ch=22&sec=65