Generally, trucks have a trailer attached to them when on the road. The most efficient way to utilize them is by ensuring they are always carrying something from one place to another.
Nonetheless, there are occasions when trucks travel with nothing attached to the back. This is commonly referred to as bobtailing. Just because a truck does not have a load attached doesn’t mean it is not potentially dangerous. Outlined below are a few important factors to consider.
Braking systems are designed for trailers
The braking systems of trucks are designed to help them stop whilst carrying a load. Trucks have longer stopping distances, and it takes a lot of energy to bring a fully-loaded rig to a standstill. Without a load, the brakes of a truck could become dangerous if not used sensitively. Bobtail trucks are notorious for losing control when a driver has failed to adapt and apply less pressure on the brakes than they would under normal circumstances.
A different center of gravity
Without a trailer attached, the center of gravity on a truck is very different. The center of gravity on bobtails tends to be higher and pushed toward the front end of the cab. This makes the vehicle much more likely to lurch forward while in operation, which could catch a driver off guard.
Difficulties when reversing
Many accidents occur when one vehicle is reversing. The steering method required to reverse a loaded truck is very different from reversing a bobtail. Bobtails are reversed in a similar way to cars, whereas loaded trucks require an opposite steering pattern. If truck operators forget this, even for a brief moment, then an accident is highly likely.
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic collision because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to legal compensation. To ensure that you are compensated for your pain and suffering, make sure you seek guidance from a knowledgeable party.