Earlier last month, the SR18 was closed. When a highway closes, semi-trucks will take alternative routes to get where they’re going. In some cases, the driver might not be as familiar with the new route. An unfamiliar road and tight turn was the problem in this semi-truck accident recovery incident.
A semi-truck and trailer loaded with paper rolls were on a new route, and the corner was a little tighter than the driver anticipated. He didn’t quite make the turn, and it nearly caused the truck and trailer to flip. This recovery was a job for Pro-Tow and our heavy-duty towing crew.
The truck was about 80,000 pounds, which meant we had to use our heavy-duty crane style wrecker to undo this mistake. After we carefully set it up and rigged the trailer properly, we were able to relocate the loaded container to a better position and location. Then the driver was able to continue his travels and make his delivery of paper rolls.
Semi-Trucks Need To Make Slow Wide Turns
Cornering a semi-truck and a loaded trailer is something any driver will have to do, whether in the city or coming on and off roadway ramps. Unfortunately, even a small miscalculation, when cornering, can cause a big problem. If you have too much momentum and not enough area to turn in, your load will start to push the rig into the turn. In bad cases, this can cause the trailer to want to flip.
The key to safely turning semi-trucks is to take the turn slowly. That’s why you’ll notice most big rigs taking their turns at a near crawl. If they slow down too late, it can cause the momentum to shift cargo, and then accidents happen. Trucks also need plenty of space when turning. Truck drivers need to pay close attention to surrounding traffic, but for those of us in regular vehicles, we need to make sure we are giving them the space they need to turn safely. Remember, both loads and lives might depend on it.
Pro-Tow offers heavy-duty towing services and semi-truck accident recovery. Count on us 24 hours a day.
