Texas is home to some of the busiest roadways in the United States. Traffic here in Austin is quite heavy, no matter whether you’re riding down city streets or along the interstate. All motorists can benefit from practicing their defensive driving skills to avoid becoming involved in crashes. One of the many types of collisions that drivers are sure to want to prevent is an accident with a fuel truck. A collision with one of these could prove fatal.
Data published by the National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc. shows that fleet companies use tanker trucks to transport some 25% of their freight. At least half of what these carriers have onboard is petroleum, including aviation fuel, diesel and gasoline. If you think back to the last time you saw a tanker truck riding down the street, you probably noticed various hazard warning signs affixed to it. These types of trucks would pose many health and safety hazards if you were to crash into them.
Tanker truck manufacturers build these to minimize the risk of spillages or catastrophic wrecks. Vapor recovery systems, emergency, foot and internal valves and Electronic Stability Control Systems all reduce the risk of hazardous situations.
Tank truck drivers are also specially trained to use evasive driving tactics to minimize the chances of someone becoming hurt in a crash.
One of the biggest dangers associated with tanker trucks is the risk of fire.
Safety equipment manufacturers have invested significant energy in investigating ways to design trucks so that they will burn more uniformly instead of causing a catastrophic explosion. Many of these companies have begun equipping tankers with manlids and fire engulfment vents as a result. These allow for a release of pressure buildup into the air, which can minimize the risk of a big explosion.
Many motorists fear trailing behind a tank truck because they’re aware of what can happen if they were to collide with them. Not all tankers feature fire-control technology that can save their lives. Those motorists who are lucky enough to survive a crash with a tank truck may suffer severe burns and other life-altering injuries. Many others won’t be lucky enough to survive. An Austin attorney can advise you of your options for holding a Texas trucker accountable for their negligence if they left you seriously hurt in a crash.
