The Risks Of Serious Truck Accidents Due To Faulty Brakes
When most people think about the dangers of semi-trucks on the highway, they picture issues like driver fatigue, heavy loads, long stopping distances, and big blind spots. Those are some of the most common causes of truck accidents, but they’re certainly not the only ones. Semi-trucks rely on complex air brake systems, and when something goes wrong with them, the consequences can be dangerous and even deadly.
Loss of Control
For truckers and other drivers alike, one of the biggest risks of being in an accident caused by faulty brakes is the loss of control that follows a brake failure. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when they’re fully loaded. They can weigh 25,000 pounds or more even without a load.
Because of that, even a minor brake malfunction can make it nearly impossible for a driver to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision. Unlike pickup trucks or smaller commercial vehicles, tractor-trailers need significant distances and coordination for slowing down and stopping. When their brake systems fail, whether it’s due to worn components, improper adjustments, or overheating, there’s a high risk of serious accidents.
What Causes Semi-Truck Brake Malfunctions?
Brake failures in semi-trucks can happen for several reasons, but one of the most common is poor maintenance. Federal safety regulations require trucking companies to routinely inspect their vehicles and make repairs as necessary. Unfortunately, not every fleet owner follows those regulations.
Semi-truck brakes experience intense heat and friction every time they’re used. Over time, that can causes brake pads to wear down, drums to crack, air lines to become damaged, and many other problems. Without regular inspections, those issues may go unnoticed until a driver is in a high-pressure situation and the brakes just don’t respond the way they should. Failing to address repair needs promptly can be equally dangerous.
Overheating is also a significant threat. When a driver has to ride the brakes going down steep grades, the resulting heat may build up faster than a truck’s brake system can combat it. That can cause the brakes to fade, meaning they gradually lose their ability to slow down the truck. Too much heat can cause the brake fluid to boil or components to seize up.
Runaway truck ramps exist for this very reason. They give truck drivers a last-resort escape route if their brakes fail completely. Not every highway has them, though. Even when they do, drivers may not reach them in time to use them to avoid a collision.
Understanding the Consequences of Brake Failures
Brake-related truck accidents can have far-reaching consequences. They can involve multiple vehicles, and they’re likely to result in severe injuries and extensive property damage. Passenger vehicles stand little chance against a fully loaded semi-truck that can’t stop. For victims, the aftermath often includes complex insurance claims, long recoveries, significant financial hardships, and emotional stress.
Mitigating the Dangers of Brake-Related Truck Accidents
Many brake-related truck accidents are preventable. Consistent maintenance, proper driver training, thorough inspections, and adhering to federal safety standards all play essential roles in reducing these types of crashes. Technology is also improving truck safety. Automatic braking systems, onboard diagnostics, and real-time monitoring tools can alert drivers and trucking companies to potential brake issues before they get bad enough to cause accidents.
In spite of those efforts, though, not all accidents can be prevented. When they happen, they can be life altering for those involved. Working with an experienced truck accident attorney can help ensure victims get the justice and compensation they’re entitled to.
