Overweight / Overloaded Trucks

t should go without saying that overloaded and overweight trucks are a danger to U.S. roadways. Many semi trucks can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds, but when they’re overloaded or overweight, they pose specific and significant dangers to other motorists. Not only do they have a decrease in steering and stopping capabilities, they also pose a higher risk of rollover accidents due to their higher and heavier center of gravity. If you were in a truck accident, it’s important to have a skilled truck accident attorney on your case. Overloaded trucks aren’t always immediately apparent, so it’s important to have somebody who can stay on top of all investigative details on your side.

Weight Restrictions on Semi Trucks

By federal and state law, semi trucks, tractor trailers, 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks have to obey by certain weight restrictions. These are weight limits that are designed to keep trucks from being overloaded or overweight. Since overloaded trucks pose a much higher risk to roadway safety, it’s essential for commercial drivers and trucking companies to abide by al federal and state weight safety regulations. Trucks are large and heavy enough without being illegally overloaded. An overloaded truck is a dangerous truck. Truck drivers have enough to deal with without also worrying about the reduced performance capabilities of an overweight truck.

Risks Associated with Overweight Trucks

Some of the most serious risks associated with overweight trucks include decreased stopping power and a higher center of gravity. Since these trucks are heavier than they’re supposed to be, they’re not going to perform up to federal, state and industry safety standards. With a higher center of gravity, a truck is more likely to roll over or fall over and crush smaller cars in certain types of accidents. These trucks are also much more dangerous when traveling through hills or mountains. An overloaded truck is going much slower going up hills, which can be dangerous for other motorists who expect cars and trucks to be moving at the correct speed. Additionally, an overweight truck will also be way too fast down hill, and may be difficult to stop. Fewer things are scarier than a runaway truck on a downhill road.