Falling Cargo Causes Accident On I-75
When driving, you need to be wary of the vehicles in front of you, especially if they are carrying heavy materials such as wood. This cargo can suddenly fall off the truck without warning, spilling onto the road and hitting vehicles.
This happened on Interstate 75 in Pasco County on the morning of May 25. A 32-year-old man was driving a semi truck loaded with plywood when the wood came off the truck and hit a vehicle.
The incident happened on Interstate 75 near mile marker 290. The semi truck was traveling north, while an Infiniti SUV was traveling north. A Ford pickup truck was traveling ahead of the semi truck. The pickup truck quickly decelerated, causing the driver of the semi truck to brake and swerve to the left. As a result, the trailer of the semi truck rotated and spilled the plywood.
The plywood hit the guardrail and fell onto the northbound lanes of Interstate 75. One of the pieces of plywood hit the left side of the SUV. The pickup truck did not stop and kept traveling north on Interstate 75.
Dangers of Falling Loads
Debris from improperly secured or unsecured loads can contribute to accidents. When goods fall off a pickup truck or semi truck and land in the road, they can be hit by a passing vehicle. This can happen suddenly, making it so a driver may not have enough time to safely react and avoid hitting the fallen objects.
In some cases, a driver following a truck may drive directly into the path of falling debris. A falling load could penetrate a windshield or create a skid hazard for approaching vehicles.
Dropped cargo can also lead to an accident if a motorist maneuvers to evade the hazard. This can result in a collision with a nearby vehicle, object, or person.
Trucking companies have guidelines in place in order to prevent these types of situations. They must follow the rules put in place by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This includes using restraints to secure cargo in place. The type of restraints required will vary, depending on a truck’s weight and size, as well as the nature of the cargo. The goal of the FMCSA is to prevent cargo from shifting in transit, falling from the truck, or blowing off the truck.
Before embarking on a trip, truckers must inspect their loads to confirm their cargo is adequately secured. Within 50 miles of the start of a trip, all drivers must reinspect their cargo and securement equipment, making adjustments as necessary
Seek Help for Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents do not have to involve direct crashes with the semi truck. Accidents involving cargo are also common and can cause damage and injuries.
If you have been affected, get the help you need from a Dade City & Zephyrhills truck accident attorney from Madonna Law Group. We understand how dangerous these crashes can be. Schedule a free consultation by filling out the online form or calling (800) 557-0411.
Source:
ocala-news.com/2023/05/25/ocala-trucker-spills-plywood-on-i-75-in-pasco-county/
