| Related Links: Seven Common Truck Driver Errors That Cause Wrecks in Maryland |
Moving day is finally here. After weeks of searching for a new place and two days packing everything you own into little boxes, you’re finally ready to pack up the U-Haul and leave the old place on Crocus behind. Unfortunately, packing the truck seems to be taking longer than you anticipated, since your wife has literally drawn out a map for where each individual box needs to go. Although the new place is on Azalea, only five minutes from your old place, your wife insisted on getting a moving van and on taking charge over the loading of it. You were given the pleasure of dealing with the car hitch.
Why can’t you just throw everything in the truck, install the hitch, and be on your way?
How Unbalanced Packing Can Ruin Your Move
Some might say that efficiently packing a moving truck is a fine art, and they’re not far off. Driving a moving vehicle can be extremely difficult at the best of times, but when it’s unbalanced, too heavy, or forced to drag additional objects behind it, that difficulty can quickly become treacherous. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to know the risks of hauling and towing, as well as what it may mean if you inappropriately over-stuff your vehicle or improperly distribute the cargo weight. The following are just a few examples:
- Unbalanced cargo can shift during turns, braking, and lane changes. This can throw off the balance of the entire truck. Proper balance is crucial—especially for large trucks—as it can prevent rollovers, tipping, cargo expulsion from doors being forced open, and longer stopping distances.
- Towing a car or trailer on the back of a moving vehicle increases the weight and length—increasing the dangers that the vehicle already possesses.
- Backing up can be almost impossible when weight isn’t distributed properly and the increased length can be harder to judge and control.
- Unbalanced weight and more wheels on the ground increases your chances of a blowout.
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 300 fatalities and more than 10,000 injuries occur each year as a result of unbalanced moving vehicles and faulty towing. If you’re not familiar with driving a large moving vehicle, or towing a long object behind you—unexpected shifts, lane changes, and traffic adjustments could cause you to dangerously overcorrect, swerve, rollover, or jackknife. Stay safe, know the risks, and follow precautionary guidelines to help prevent a tragic accident.
Already been injured in a moving accident and need advice about your claim? Contact us today for a free consultation and more information about how our vast experience with truck accidents, can help you, and your family, and get the compensation and justice you deserve.