Dangers on Missouri Highways: Unsecured Truck Loads

September 02, 2011 (Press-News.org) It might seem like an accident that could only happen in a horror movie, but the reality of unsecured cargo is much more serious and more prevalent than most people assume. AAA reported that around 25,000 vehicle accidents and 80-90 deaths occur as a direct result of unsecured cargo per year. Unsecured cargo is essentially insufficient stability of the materials a trucker is transporting.

Typically, materials transported by 18-wheelers include steel coils, lumber, auto parts and various construction supplies, but the list can also extends to liquid or hazardous materials as well. While the cargo may seem harmless on its own, semi-trucks hauling the loads are traveling at highway speeds between 50 and 80 miles per hour, which could be a recipe for disaster if a malfunction occurs. Missouri truck accident lawyers have seen cases of falling debris from trucks cause serious injury to unsuspecting travelers, injuries that may have lifelong implications.

Regulations Related to Unsecured Cargo

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) established a special section of laws devoted to cargo securement, entitled General Cargo Securement Requirements. According to section 2.1.2, "The securement system chosen must be appropriate for the cargo's size, shape, strength and characteristics." In other words, the truck, as well as other security measures, must reasonably have the capacity and strength to carry the cargo without any complications.

The regulations also state that trucks must be in good working condition and include details of exactly what would qualify a vehicle as 'satisfactory.' Furthermore, the requirements also state specific forces that cargo securement devices and systems must be able to withstand in order to be considered safe.

Protecting Yourself From Highway Dangers

Although these regulations are aimed at preventing injuries related to unsecured cargo, accidents do happen, some with serious consequences. There are a few cautionary measures that drivers can take when driving in the vicinity of a cargo transporting vehicle that can prevent an accident and may even save a life.

Instinctually, the most basic response is to just avoid these vehicles altogether, but when that isn't possible, be sure to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle at all times. Be aware of the situation and look for safe ways 'out' of a bad situation, such as the road shoulder, an open lane or a break in traffic. For smaller debris, it may be worth it just to run over it, rather than risk an accident by swerving into traffic.

One of the simplest and most effective ways of protecting yourself and preventing accidents caused by unsecured cargo is to report all unsafe vehicles and unsecured cargo loads.

If you or someone you know has personally been a victim of injury due to unsecured cargo, compensation is deserved for the driver's negligence to the high federal standards and regulations for securing cargo. To let justice be served and help make the road safer for other drivers, contact one of our experienced and professional attorneys today to help you sort out the details of this unfortunate event.

Article provided by Devereaux, Stokes, Nolan, Fernandez & Leonard, P.C.
Visit us at www.gonzalofernandez.com