Defects and malfunctions are a factor in close to five percent of all fatal crashes involving tractor-trailers. While there are many vehicle-related issues that can contribute to a trucking accident, unsafe brakes constitute one of the most dangerous types of malfunction that can cause a large truck to collide with other vehicles.
Since semi-trucks are much heavier than passenger cars, vans, and pickups, truck drivers require a much longer time to stop when confronted with a road hazard. Because of their size and weight, large trucks are equipped with a different type of braking system than passenger cars. Generally, large trucks come equipped with compressed air brake systems whereas passenger cars rely on hydraulic brake systems.
A compressed brake system is comprised of several components, including an air compressor driven by the engine, control panels, a compressed air storage tank, services brakes, and parking brakes. When a truck driver pushes down on the brake pedal, pressure is generated and propelled into the brake chamber. The air slows the rotation speed of the wheels of the tractor-trailer. Although this type of braking system is more efficient at reducing the speed of heavier vehicles, air brake systems can fail without adequate and timely maintenance. When air brakes on a large truck fail, the prospect of an 80,000 pound vehicle streaking down the highway out-of-control can be a terrifying sight.
The vast majority of tractor-trailers are equipped with a backup braking system designed to avert collisions when a big-rig cannot stop or slow properly. Despite this form of redundancy and the general reliability of air brake systems, trucking accidents involving brake failure cause a significant number of motor vehicle accidents. In most instances, the brakes fail on a large truck because the operator’s driving places too much stress on the brakes, or the driver fails to properly engage the braking system.
Even when problems exist with the air brake system, the brakes offer some resistance which allows the truck driver to gradually bring the vehicle to a stop. However, mechanical or maintenance issues can interfere with the efficient functioning of the brakes. If these problems are not detected and rectified prior to leaving on a route, minor errors by the driver can exacerbated stress on the brake system when an emergency occurs.
Commercial drivers need to anticipate that air brakes and backup brake systems will not functioning at full capacity all the time. Drivers can reduce the risk of a trucking accident if they reduce the amount of stress and wear on the braking system by avoiding riding on the brakes on sharp inclines or stopping short. Safe driving practices can prevent situations that necessitate placing excessive stress on the brakes, such as traveling at a safe speed, observing a proper following distance, and anticipating potential road hazards that necessitate slamming on the brakes.
Brake sensitivity also commonly is a factor in many large-truck crashes, particularly when drivers use too much force engaging the brakes. This mistake is common among less experienced drivers who utilize excess pressure when activating the brakes. When novice drivers must navigate wet and slippery Mississippi roadways, the risk of a jackknife accident caused by applying the brakes too quickly and rapidly increases significantly.
If you or your loved one is injured in a commercial trucking accident, you are invited to contact the experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law to learn how we can help. Our tractor-trailer accident lawyers have been representing accident victims throughout Mississippi for over 75 years. We offer personalized legal representation and zealous advocacy. We provide a free initial case evaluation so call us today at (800) 707-9577. No Recovery No Fee!