Dangers of Cement Truck Accidents
I’m Ed Smith, an Oroville personal injury lawyer. Cement truck accidents are becoming a common reality throughout the state of California. What many do not know about this type of collision is that it can cause severe hazards to the motorist of the truck and any other parties traveling along the roadway. Unlike other accidents involving small vehicles, people that have been involved in these crashes are more likely to suffer traumatic injuries or even death.
Cement Trucks Are Susceptible to Rollover Accidents
Cement truck accidents are more likely to occur because the trucks are susceptible to rollover accidents. What many do not know about a cement truck is that it can easily turn over while traveling as low as 5 miles per hour while conducting a ninety degree turn. This may not appear as a big deal, however, cement truck drivers are sometimes in a hurry while transporting their loads. The reason for this is that wet cement must be transported quickly so that it does not harden inside the cement truck itself.
Drivers Need Specific Training
Cement truck operators require a specific Class A license in order to drive a truck with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more. In order for an individual to obtain this license, they must pass the following exams:
- General Knowledge Exam
- Combinations Vehicle Exam
- Air Brakes
- Basic Skills
- CDL Road Exam
- Pre-Trip
- Applicable exams for desired endorsements
If the cement truck driver is not properly trained or disobeys any safety protocols that were learned in training, there is a greater chance for the cement truck operator to be involved in an accident.
Passenger Vehicles and Cement Trucks Sharing the Road
Direct collisions and rollovers are the most common types of cement truck accidents. Most motorists do not realize that a cement truck has a high center of gravity, which means that the truck is more susceptible to rolling over when making a sharp turn.
Cement Trucks Have Blind Spots
Cement trucks operators do not have a good line of vision while driving. The reason for this is due to the blind spots of the cement truck that can hide a passenger vehicle. If you are traveling behind a cement truck, the mirrors of the truck most likely cannot detect your vehicle.
This also may play out in the scene of an enclosed work site. A cement truck can accidentally reverse into a construction worker if they are within the blind spots of the truck.
Cement Trucks Are Not Easy to Maneuver
Oftentimes, a cement truck operator may fail to observe obstacles ahead of them and veer into oncoming traffic. Cement trucks are difficult to maneuver due to their sheer size and momentum. Cement truck drivers may have a difficult time quickly moving the truck back into a safe zone before it crashes into oncoming traffic.
Oroville Cement Truck Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Oroville personal injury lawyer. If you or a member of your family has suffered serious injuries resulting from an accident, please call me at (530) 392-9400 for free, friendly advice. Elsewhere, I may be contacted toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons – Cement truck crash.jpg
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