Log Hauler Truck Accidents
Log Hauler trucks carry large loads that are both heavy and high.
They have to move around in difficult terrain with gradients. Drivers
operating these big rigs require special skill and training.
Over-height forestry trucks can cause personal injury, torn down power
lines, damage traffic signals, damage overpasses and bridges and damage
equipment being hauled. Several precautions should be taken to prevent
accidents caused by over-height trucks
- When planning the route beware of the low bridges along
the route and possible detours if the load height exceeds the posted
limits.
- Outside logs should not be loaded over the
standards on a log trailer. Crowning of interior logs is permissible as
long as the total height does not exceed a legal highway maximum of 13
feet 6 inches.
- Measure the height of standards on new trailers and on repaired trailers to be sure an over-height situation does not exist.
- Always
use binding chains, straps, or cables with the proper strength
requirements for the load. Follow the safety procedures when securing
the load.
- Carefully check the load for shifted logs before unbinding.
- Measure the height of the total load after equipment is properly secured for travel.
- Don't assume all lowboy deck heights are the same. This will influence total load height.
- Over-height
loads may have a higher center of gravity, affecting how loads are
positioned and affecting truck handling. Dropping a wheel off the
pavement could result in a roll-over accident.
- Secure and bind all equipment, including booms and grapples.
- Obtain
over-height permits from appropriate state highway agencies and insure
that the assigned route is a safe route. Determine low bridge locations
on your own as a check.
- Use escort vehicles if required by the state agency.
- Be
aware of low obstructions once the hauler leaves the public road
system. Power lines and phone lines to temporary structures such as
hunting camps, farm buildings, etc. may be too low to pass under.
Roads can be very slippery after snow or rain, braking technique should
be suited to the condition of the road. Driving technique needs to be
adjusted to meet these different road conditions.
A log truck driver skidded when turning a corner on an ice-covered
road. He lost control of his truck and the truck slammed head-on into
an embankment. The force of the truck hitting the embankment drove part
of the load through the truck's bulkhead. The driver was fatally
crushed inside the cab by one of the logs that came through the
bulkhead.
It's extremely important to adjust driving technique and speed to
meet road conditions, especially roads made slippery by ice or other
factors. Drive defensively; expect the unexpected on logging roads. A
worker was killed when his crew truck collided with the tracks of a log
loader. The log loader was being carried sideways on a low-bed truck.
The log loader tracks extended about two feet over each side of the
flatbed. The collision happened on a narrow stretch of icy logging road.
Prevention alert:
- Do not create a wide-load situation on logging roads without informing all potential users of your movements.
-
Use radio communication to chart your movements with other road users.
-
Make sure all vehicles drive within the accepted speed limits and that driving speeds are reduced in poor road conditions.
A loaded logging truck and an empty low-bed truck collided on a
logging road. A mix-up in mileage calls prior to the accident lead to
this fatal incident. In this accident, the low-bed driver was instantly
killed when the logs from the loaded truck toppled over him and his
truck.
Prevention alert:
- Confirm location of other vehicles before entering critical road sections.
-
Follow proper radio calling procedures at all times.
-
Use extreme caution when sharing forest service roads with approaching vehicles.
-
Radio communications can go wrong - follow safe driving rules.
Two recent logging fatalities stress the importance of defensive
driving on logging roads. While climbing up or down the road, one must
drive with the possibility of another vehicle being around the next
bend. In addition to listening to the radio, driving cautiously
according to the road conditions and always being alert and ready for
the unexpected are the best precautions one can take.
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