South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
When it comes to the fight of the beast, tractor-trailers are up there with the beasts. In the United States, tractor-trailers are used to transport bulky goods from one end of the country to the other. Some even move in and out of the country.
These behemoths of vehicles can cause serious damage and injury if not handled correctly. To ensure all road users go back home safe and sound, tractor-trailer drivers must follow certain road rules. On top of this, they must also inspect their vehicle before and after trips, stay alert and rested while driving, use caution in bad weather, and drive defensively.
Like all road users, tractor-trailer drivers should have their priority as safety. Not just for themselves but for all road users as well. However, accidents will happen even with the right procedures and proper care.
This blog post will discuss what tractor-trailers must do to ensure our safety while on the roads. With this information, you can be confident that tractor-trailers are doing their part to keep you safe when you’re out on the roads.
All Tractor-Trailers Must Be Equipped With An Engine Brake
Engine brakes are an essential safety feature for any tractor-trailer. Engine brakes help slow down the vehicle, reducing the crash risk. They are also important in preventing wear and tear on other braking components, such as the brake pads and rotors
Engine brakes work by converting some of the engine power into kinetic energy, which is then used to slow the truck down. This allows for a slower, smoother deceleration process, which can help to reduce the likelihood of a crash. Additionally, it can help to extend the life of other braking components, making them more reliable and cost-effective.
All Brakes On A Tractor Trailer Must Be In Good Working Order
Brake systems are one of the most important components of a tractor-trailer, and they must be maintained in good working order. All brakes must be properly adjusted, tested, and inspected regularly.
Brakes should be inspected to ensure they are not worn down or have any other issues that could reduce their effectiveness. The brakes should also be adjusted to ensure a proper balance between the front and rear brakes. Finally, brake pads should be changed when needed, and the whole system should be tested for proper operation.
Tractor Trailers Must Have A Minimum Of Two Mirrors
Mirrors are essential for tractor-trailer drivers to see what’s happening around them and ensure that their driving decisions are safe. Tractor trailers must be equipped with two mirrors: a side-view mirror on the driver’s side of the vehicle and a rearview mirror at the back.
The side-view mirror should be adjusted to provide an unobstructed view of the area immediately next to the trailer, allowing drivers to check for other vehicles or pedestrians before making lane changes.
The rearview mirror should be adjusted so drivers can see behind the trailer and any vehicles that may be tailing them when backing up. Both mirrors should be adjusted properly and kept clean to ensure maximum visibility.
Tractor Trailers Must Have Reflective Tape On The Sides And Rear
Reflective tape on a tractor-trailer’s sides and rear is an important safety precaution. This allows other drivers to easily see the tractor-trailer from a distance, which can help avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
The tape must be installed in a pattern that provides maximum visibility and is wide enough to cover the entire surface area. It is also important to ensure that the tape is in good condition and replaced as needed.
This ensures that other drivers can easily see the tractor-trailer, even in low light conditions. Installing and maintaining reflective tape on the sides and rear of a tractor-trailer is an essential part of ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.
Tractor Trailers Must Have Proper Lighting
Tractor trailers are required to have functioning lights for visibility, safety, and compliance with the law. This includes headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, and marker lights. Headlights should be aimed correctly to ensure maximum visibility for the driver.
Tail lights must illuminate when the brakes are applied, and turn signals must indicate lane changes and turns. Brake lights must be bright enough to be seen during the day. Marker lights are required on the sides and rear of tractor-trailers and in the cargo area to indicate where the load is located.
All of these lights must be properly maintained to ensure safe driving conditions and compliance with state regulations.
Tractor Trailers Must Have A Fire Extinguisher
When it comes to safety, fire extinguishers are an essential part of the tractor-trailer. They provide an invaluable asset in the event of a fire and must be present in all tractor-trailers. The fire extinguisher must meet the specifications outlined by the Department of Transportation and be properly serviced and tested at least once every year.
Drivers should know how to use the fire extinguisher in case of an emergency and should keep an eye on expiration dates.
Additionally, drivers should make sure to keep the fire extinguisher easily accessible in the truck and that it is full and charged. Proper maintenance of the fire extinguisher can prevent a potential disaster in the future.
Tractor Trailers Must Have An Emergency Kit
If an accident or breakdown occurs, tractor-trailers must have an emergency kit on board. This kit should contain the necessary tools and supplies to help a driver in an emergency. This may include items such as basic tools for repair, warning triangles for visibility, and first aid supplies in case of injury.
This kit must be kept in good condition and stocked with all the necessary items. This can help protect both the tractor-trailer driver and other drivers on the road in an emergency.
Tractor Trailers Must Have A Valid Insurance Policy
A valid insurance policy is one of the most important things that tractor-trailers must have to keep you safe. Tractor trailers often carry large loads, and if something were to go wrong and there was an accident, then the damage caused could be significant. This is why having a valid insurance policy is so important.
When a tractor-trailer is carrying freight, the trucking company needs to ensure that it has a valid insurance policy that covers both the truck and any cargo being transported. This policy should provide coverage for any damage to property or injury to anyone involved in an accident involving the tractor-trailer.
Hire a Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer
You may feel overwhelmed and confused if you have been involved in a tractor-trailer accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Knowing what to do after an accident can be complicated. That’s why it’s important to seek the help of an experienced attorney who can provide you with the legal advice and guidance you need.
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases. Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience and understand how to protect your rights and maximize your potential recovery. We will fight for your rights and ensure you are properly compensated for any injuries or losses sustained in the accident.
We also understand that truck accident claims can be complex due to their unique nature. Our lawyers are experienced in dealing with all aspects of tractor-trailer accidents, including collecting evidence, identifying responsible parties, filing claims, and negotiating a fair settlement.
We can provide you with skilled legal representation and help ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. Contact us today at (561) 800-8000. We are here to protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation.