TRUCK rollovers can be devastating to those involved, the property and also impacts the roads as they may end up being closed for hours.
A week seldom passes by without photos of a rollover not being shared on social media.
“Trucks are prone to these kind of crashes as drivers have to contend with both a high centre of gravity and centrifugal forces that causes them to ‘lean’ on a curve or turn. A number of scenarios have high risk of rollovers. Four of these are particularly risky for drivers, yet with the right training, they can be prepared for what to expect as well as how to avoid this dangerous and costly position,” said director of MasterDrive Eugene Herbert.
Speed is estimated to be the cause of up to 45% of crashes in corners and on highway on-ramps and off-ramps.
“When negotiating a corner, drivers need to use height, load and angle or configuration of the corner to decide what speed is required to safely navigate it,” said Herbert.
Incorrect loading is also another factor. This as the high centre of gravity requires the load to be secured. If it shifts during cornering, the loss of balance increases rollover risk.
Then there’s abrupt or oversteering. Abrupt or sharp steering movements are risky as the high centre of gravity will cause a truck to roll over if the driver abruptly steers around an obstacle.
Drivers should also be cautious of oversteering in certain situations, such as when traction decreases. When traction is regained but oversteering continues, lateral force increases along with the risk of rollover.
