What to watch out for on logging trucks

The truck and timber industry are highly active during the autumn in Alabama. Many workers are trying to get as much trees transported as they can so they do not have to deal with the colder weather slowing down their progress.

The increase in productivity can also affect how logging truckers are on the road. These are some of the most dangerous vehicles to come across as both the logs and the truck could be large and long fatal hazards. It is important to maintain your distance from them, but you might want to be further away if you notice something off about the truck’s load or how it is going.

Inconsistent speed and steering

As with any truck, you need to take notice if the logging trucker is demonstrating any suspicious behavior behind the wheel. This could mean randomly speeding up and slowing down when there are no traffic signs discouraging them to or if they have a hard time staying straight in one lane. This behavior could make it especially risky if you attempt to pass them.

One of the most common accidents associated with truckers is drowsy driving. Since the lack of sunlight and colder weather in the autumn makes people more tired, the chances of a logging truck driver falling asleep behind the wheel increases. This means you especially must be careful if you are driving behind one in the early evening or late at night.

Load stability

Alabama log truckers have limits on the length, width and height of the loads they carry. While the logging truck’s structure does make it easy for loaders to place on the truck and to keep the width within 12 feet, some try to fit more than they can and exceed the legal limits. They can have up to 57 feet in length and 13.5 feet in height. While this may be difficult to tell from your angle, if the load is well above the truck’s cab and side borders or there is more than a couple of feet sticking out from the back, then try to stay away from it.

Alongside the overhanging cargo, you must keep a close eye on the restraints holding the logs in place. If it is too loose, a log could slip through and hit the vehicle behind the trucker. If it is too tight, it could snap and spill all the logs on the road you are on.

Log transporters must follow the set regulations by OSHA to ensure that each tree is properly restrained in the vehicle. Despite this, many truckers have had issues with the logging trucks present in Alabama on both rural roads and the highways. One slight overturn or getting too close to another vehicle could spell a disaster for multiple motorists within the vicinity. If you ever become a victim of a logging trucker’s negligence, you should review your legal options to see if you are eligible to receive compensation for their actions.