ExecutiveChronicles.com | It makes sense to carry the largest load possible in a truck, right? By doing so, a company can move more cargo in less time and save money in the process, or so one would believe. However, an overloaded truck is at more risk of being involved in an accident. This is true for a variety of reasons. Consider the following ways in which an overloaded truck is dangerous while out on the open road and see why weight limits must always be obeyed.
Steering
An overloaded truck is difficult to control and steer, as the excess weight in the vehicle makes it respond differently. This is especially true when road conditions are less than ideal, and drivers often cannot predict what roads will be like where they are going. Weather conditions can change quickly and cause the vehicle to respond in unusual ways. When the steering is negatively affected by excess weight and these road conditions are encountered, accidents are more likely to happen. Visit 866Attylaw.com/new-york-brain-injury-lawyer to learn more about overloading a truck and its effect on the steering of the vehicle.
Transmission Failure
Transmissions are designed to carry a certain weight. When a truck is overloaded, the transmission must work harder, especially under strenuous conditions. For example, when the truck is going up a hill while carrying excess weight, the transmission may fail. This can bring about an accident and injure the driver and others traveling the same roadway.
Stopping Power
An overloaded truck takes longer to stop, yet many drivers don’t take this into consideration when they go out on the road. They assume the truck will react accordingly when they hit the brakes only to discover they have caused an accident because it needed more time and space to stop. Take care to know the weight limit of the truck and how much time and space is needed to stop the vehicle under normal conditions. Never go over the limit for the weight to prevent a collision from happening.
Damage to the Suspension
Suspension components on a vehicle are likewise of importance. They help to ensure the truck does not bounce all over the road when the vehicle encounters rough terrain or goes over a bump. Furthermore, the suspension ensures the axle does not bottom out in these types of situations. When the truck is overloaded, the suspension is put under a strain and various parts may be negatively impacted. For example, cracks and fissures may develop or the steel may stretch and alter the way the vehicle responds. For these reasons, a truck should never carry more than the weight limit recommended by the manufacturer.
Tire Blowouts
When a vehicle is carrying more weight than is recommended, the driver is at risk of a tire blowout. If this occurs, the driver may find it difficult to move safely off the road and put him or herself along with other drivers at risk of a collision. Furthermore, when the tire blows, the cargo may shift and cause the truck to roll over, putting the truck occupants and other individuals on the road in danger.
Pay attention to the weight load of every vehicle. Many drivers never stop to consider this information, but a failure to do so could have deadly consequences. Overloading a truck is never a wise move, so keep this in mind every time you get behind the wheel of your truck.
