Truck rollover accident prevention

Given their size, weight, and loads, semis and tanker trucks are more prone to vehicle upset compared to standard passenger vehicles. As a truck driver, you won’t beat basic physics, so it’s important you know what to plan for and what to avoid. Here are three common contributing factors in truck rollovers:

• Distracted driving, such as reaching for objects outside your immediate grasp or using mobile communication devices

• Speed on entrance and exit ramps and sharp curves

• Adverse weather conditions, such as high winds and slick roadways

While not a complete list, the strategies below can help prevent rollover accidents.

• Encourage your employer to invest in truck rollover prevention technology

  • Software systems like Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™ can help mitigate rollovers and other loss-control situations in the moment

• Check the forecast along your route to see if you’ll need to delay your trip or take an alternative route

• Check for construction that could cause difficult road conditions

• Consider your truck’s height, weight, and width restrictions:

  • Ensure load height doesn’t exceed overpass clearance limits on your route

  • Ensure load doesn’t extend into oncoming traffic lanes

  • Never exceed your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)

• Understand the physics—especially the center of gravity—of what you’re carrying, whether you’re transporting material goods, a type of liquid, or other cargo that requires intentional maneuvering

• For vans and containers, review shipping documents, and understand how to identify signs of movement in the trailer

• For tankers, take into account the type of trailer you’re pulling—understand viscosity and how your load will naturally move on its own

• Ensure all your truck’s safety systems are working properly

• Check brakes—including trailer brake connections—lights, reflectors, tire pressure, and steering mechanism.

• Make sure your vehicle is prepared to navigate in adverse weather conditions—check tires, windshield wipers, and brakes.

• Focus on the task at hand—driving safely

• Drive an appropriate speed for road and weather conditions

• Plan ten seconds ahead of you, keeping an eye on traffic and the unsafe actions of others

• Be aware of embankments and soft roadways

• Don’t drive while fatigued or distracted

• Always drive with your lights on

• Use turn signals early on if you need to turn or switch lanes

• Try to avoid abrupt starts, stops, and turns that could result in overcorrection