Dump truck drivers play a crucial role in construction and many industries. However, dump truck accidents are often devastating, and sometimes fatal. Avoiding accidents with these big trucks requires significant attention and safety practice on the part of the truck driver and car drivers. Truckers must follow minimum safety rules to prevents truck crashes. The first step is the daily pre-trip inspection.
A surprising number of dump truck accidents are equipment related. To reduce this risk truck drivers must perform a pre-trip inspection before starting. The pre-trip inspection includes:
Checking:
- All Mirrors and windows for clear visibility
- Tire pressure and condition
- Hydraulic systems for lifting the dump bed
- Brakes and brake systems
- Lights, signals, and reflectors
Especially in avoiding dump truck accidents on the road, dump truck drivers must:
- Maintain a safe space distance from the vehicle ahead, for increased stopping time
- Use turn signals well in advance of movements
- Always clear potential blind spots, before attempting a changing lanes or turn
- Avoid fast or sudden turns that could destabilize the load
Many dump truck accidents occur at job sites. To reduce accidents at construction or job sites consider:
- Things change by the minute, the dump truck driver must keep an eye on other vehicles, equipment, and workers and their movements
- Use a spotter when backing up or dumping loads
- Confirm that the ground is stable before dumping the load
- Never drive with the dump bed raised, even if it’s a short distance
Load Management – dangerous loading is a common cause of accidents involving dump trucks, Proper loading is critical for safe operation:
- A dump truck should never be overloaded
- The load must be distributed evenly in the bed of the dump truck for stability
- Common accidents caused by dump trucks involve loss of cargo, such as large pieces of concrete rubble from demolition sites, etc. Covering the load with tarps prevents the content from hitting vehicles behind the dump truck. Many trucks have automatic tarps to prevent loss of debris
- The truck driver should be aware of how different materials affect the truck’s handling
Weather is one of the most frequent contributing factors in dump truck accidents. Weather related dump truck accidents can be prevented. the truck driver can:
- Reduce speed in rain, snow, or fog
- Be cautious of and test his brakes for slippery surfaces, especially when fully loaded
- Allow for greater stopping distances on wet, snowy or icy roads
We can reduce the risk of dump truck accidents and injuries on the road and at construction sites, if companies follow reasonable safety procedures, as requires by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. We will share more on these minimum safety rules in a future blog
For any Questions contact an experienced truck accident attorney at Feroleto Law for a confidential free consultation. The knowledge an experience of a truck lawyer makes a difference. Call John Feroleto or Kate Feroleto at 716-854-0700 or email John Feroleto at [email protected]. or [email protected]
