Logging Trucks in South Carolina: Why Are They So Dangerous?

According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the logging industry in this state provides over $23 billion to the economy. It is also the top employer in the state. As a result, you should expect to see plenty of logging trucks on South Carolina roads. Unfortunately, these trucks are quite dangerous. Why is this the case? What should you do after a logging truck accident in South Carolina?

Logging Trucks Are Dangerous Because of Their Unbalanced Loads 

Logging trucks can be dangerous for various reasons. However, one of the most common issues is the prevalence of “unbalanced loads.” Unlike steel rebar or crates of identical food items, lumber comes in all shapes and sizes. Each tree trunk is also thicker at its base and narrower at its top. Even two logs that look exactly the same might have different internal structures. As a result of these variations, tree trunks are almost impossible to load in a balanced manner.

Balanced loads are very important in the trucking industry. When a truck has an unbalanced load, the driver might struggle to avoid crashing. The truck might tilt to one side on the road, perhaps requiring constant corrections. On the other hand, the unbalanced nature of a load might only become clear after a sharp turn. At this point, it might be too late to avoid a rollover crash.

Logs Can Fall Off Trucks

Logs can also fall off trucks, causing devastating consequences for drivers on the road. Although this outcome is quite rare, a smaller vehicle could be crushed by a log falling off a truck. Again, this comes down to issues regarding loading the cargo. Even a small mistake could cause the logs to shift during transit. Logs can also come loose after a rollover, potentially spilling into the roadway and causing additional crashes.

Logging Trucks Have the Same Hazards as Other Commercial Vehicles 

Regardless of what a commercial vehicle is carrying, the trucking industry as a whole poses the same basic threats to average drivers in South Carolina. The trucking industry prioritizes profit margins over safety, and this means that logging truck drivers may feel the need to rush, cut corners, and violate federal transport rules.

Truckers often struggle with sleep deprivation, and this might cause them to fall asleep on the road. Others may choose to take various drugs in order to stay awake, but these substances can also cause safety issues. Whatever the case may be, those who become injured as a result of trucking negligence should consider their legal options with help from accident attorneys.

Can a South Carolina Trucking Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If you were injured in a logging truck accident, consider speaking with an experienced Charleston truck accident attorney. These legal professionals can help you assess your legal options in more detail, and they may guide you toward compensation. Speak with Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today for further assistance.

Sources: 

scfc.gov/development/economic-development/

wxii12.com/article/log-truck-hits-bridge-at-421-shallowford-road/69853750