Truck accidents happen more often than not around the world and the causes are usually the same. It may either be the driver is too tired to drive, the brake is malfunctioning, overspeeding, caught up in another accident, or truck cargo is improperly loaded. Vehicles as big as a truck will need a special towing recovery in Bolingbrook, IL. Usual-sized tow trucks won’t be able to recover a huge vehicle.
A truck with a shifting load is one of the most common accidents on the road. While transferring cargo is important, it can also be quite dangerous and deadly if the load is not secured properly. Since an unsecured truckload is the main cause of load shift accident, truck drivers should also use standard precautions to ensure the load stays in place and drive carefully.
5 Tips to Avoid Load Shift Accidents
Preventing load shift as much as possible will keep drivers safe from road accidents. So it’s worth it to take extra time to ensure the cargo is loaded properly and securely in the truck. Not everyone wants to avail of towing & recovering services in Bolingbrook, IL because of an accident.
With that said, below are tips on how to avoid accidents as much as possible:
- Do Not Overload
Exceeding the recommended truckload weight causes load shifts, failing breaks, and increases the number of stops the driver needs to take. Moreover, if the weather’s bad or the road’s too steep, the driver will quickly find themselves in trouble.
- Balance the Load
An imbalanced or off-center loaded cargo will most likely cause the truck to shift. Driving a truck is already quite troubling, but driving a truck with an overloaded or unbalanced load makes handling more difficult. Moreover, it also affects the turning of the truck and its traction. So balance the load by stacking it low to avoid accidents and the need for truck recovery.
- Securing Cargo
Before every trip, it’s very important to secure the truck’s cargo to avoid load shift accidents. Aside from loading the cargo equally into the truck, it should also be braced or tied down tightly so that it won’t shift or fall inside the truck or out into the open trailer. This way, the driver would be safe throughout their journey, as well as those around them.
- Include the Driver
Loading and securing cargo is a warehouse and yard workers’ responsibility. But since a driver plays an essential role too, including them during the pre and post-inspection check of cargo will make them more aware of the load they’re transferring. They may also check the vehicle and axle weight if they’re within the limit.
Inspections before the trip by the driver are important to prevent load shift and load recovery. If you need to find yourself a load shift service, you may contact the Naperville Classic Towing team.
- Making Sudden Turns
Even if the cargo is tied securely, making sudden turns frequently might loosen it up and cause the cargo to fall all over the truck’s floor. As much as possible, avoid making sudden turns especially if you’re transporting liquid.
Despite all the tips above, no matter how careful you are, if you meet a reckless driver on the road, there’s no assurance that you and other drivers on the road would be safe. If you ever need a reliable and affordable tow truck company in Bolingbrook IL, Naperville Classic Towing’s got your back.
