Last week, a logging truck and a fuel tanker nearly collided on Highway 25. The near-collision caused the logging truck to spill its contents across the roadway. Traffic was backed up for hours. The incident happened in Greenville, South Carolina on Highway 25 North. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the driver of the logging truck tried to go around a small trailer that was turning right off of the highway, but he didn’t know that his left lane wasn’t clear. There was a larger taker truck hauling ethanol in the other lane. He reportedly never hit his breaks, but did strike the smaller trailer rather than hit the large tanker truck. Enormous logs were spilled all over the roadway. Thankfully, he didn’t hit the fully-loaded fuel tanker. The wreck could have been a lot worse.
Accidents Involving Logging Trucks
Like any other load, logs should always be properly secured. A safety checklist, published by Virginia Tech, encourages logging truck drivers to be “knights of the road.” Courteous driving habits must always be practiced, because if logging trucks are involved in accidents, the results can be devastating. The importance of roadworthiness can’t be overstated either. Logging trucks, like other commercial trucking vehicles, have to comply with a variety of federal rules and regulations to ensure public safety.
Volatile Fuels and Chemicals
Wrecks with semi trucks are dangerous enough, because of their size alone. Fuel tanker trucks are carrying especially dangerous contents, in the event of a wreck. Crashes involving fuel tanker trucks can create large explosions and fires which can be devastating and even deadly for those involved. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Hazardous Materials Compliance Basic Factsheet offers a quick overview of regulations for motor carriers that transport hazardous materials like ethanol.
After a Wreck Involving a Tractor Trailer
After about three hours, the highway was opened for traffic. The logging truck driver was charged with driving too fast for conditions. Thankfully, no injuries were initially reported. A near-wreck involving a large fuel tanker and spilled logs could have been catastrophic. If you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck involving a semi truck or tractor trailer, contact the experienced team at the Davis Law Group, P.A. for a free consultation today.