When a semitruck "jackknifes," that means that it essentially folds sideways at the hinge between the truck and the trailer. They form a "V" shape that looks like a folding knife being closed -- thus the name.
Truck drivers have to be extra careful in the mountains
Under the best of conditions, driving a truck is difficult and often dangerous. In the mountains, in the winter, everything goes up to another level. Truck drivers have to be very conscious of the risks and they need to be very careful behind the wheel.
Tips for avoiding injury on a portable ladder
Portable ladders see use in many professions. They're very common with electricians, construction workers, roofers, drywall installers, cable installers and many others, but that doesn't mean they don't show up in office jobs and other settings. A janitor at a school or an office complex may use a portable ladder to change light bulbs, change air filters and clean hard-to-reach areas, for example.
Lack of mental control leads to distraction
Workers often get distracted on the job. How many times have you been sitting at your desk when your mind started to wander? Did you get distracted by your phone, checking your social media accounts or checking to see if anyone had texted you, even though you knew they hadn't? It happens.
Do semitruck brakes actually fail?
Every now and then, you hear a story about a semi crashing because the brakes failed. The truck went out of control and slammed into other cars or nearby buildings. You're probably very wary of this possibility if you live in Colorado, where there are specific truck crash emergency lanes leading off of the highways in the mountains. They give truckers a way to stop an out-of-control vehicle while causing as little damage as possible.
Why is the truck driver shortage a threat to road users?
When you're driving on a highway, it's likely that you'll see a truck or two. Semitrucks are common, and they're an important part of America's economy. However, over time, the number of people going into trucking has declined. That means that the people who are hired may not have to go through as rigorous of training, since companies need a driver no matter what.
Drowsy truck driving can be prevented, and it should be.
Trucker fatigue is a serious problem among truck drivers. They work long hours, and many take breaks for only a short period to nap or get something to eat. While the law allows them to drive for 11 hours straight and to work for 14 hours each day (three of which have to be parked/not in the vehicle), this is still a long work day that could result in collisions due to fatigue.
Pedestrian-truck crash leads to death.
Trucks, whether commercial or consumer grade, have the potential to cause serious harm in a crash. These vehicles weigh more than other types of motor vehicles on the road and are often larger. When an accident involves a pedestrian and truck, it's highly likely that the pedestrian will die from his or her injuries.
Damage on the highway: What is a trucker responsible for?
If you have a crack on your windshield, you're probably one of many who have traveled behind a large commercial vehicle. These vehicles are well-known to cause damage to others by picking up rocks on the pavement. Staying back a distance helps, but there's still the risk of damage.
How can weather affect the roads?
The weather conditions affect the roads every day. Whether it's foggy, dusty or raining, drivers have to know how to handle the weather to stay safe. If they're not confident in their abilities or are too confident, they could cause wrecks.
