Why Are Cement Trucks So Dangerous in Mississippi?

Cement trucks represent a dangerous threat to innocent motorists in Mississippi. These vehicles have unique hazards that may not be present in other large trucks — and most people are completely unaware of them. But what exactly makes concrete trucks so dangerous? More importantly, what can you do if you were injured after being struck by one of these vehicles? Let’s find out:

The Most Dangerous Features of Concrete Trucks

When it comes to concrete trucks, the hazards are simply a matter of physics. These vehicles carry wet concrete in a “mixing drum.” You’ve probably seen these vehicles on the road, and you might have noticed that these drums slowly turn as the truck makes its way down the highway.

But there’s one problem: The drum is carried very high up off the road. A higher center of gravity inevitably causes more instability — making these some of the most dangerous vehicles around.

And then there’s the fact that this drum is filled with sloshing wet concrete. This is anything but stable, and lumps of concrete may suddenly move around inside the drum — causing the entire concrete truck to “lurch.” If these movements happen at the wrong moment, the entire vehicle can roll over. For example, a sudden slosh of concrete inside the drum can cause the truck to lose its balance during a sharp turn. This can send the truck rolling over — putting numerous people at risk in the process.

In addition, you need to take into account the numerous safety issues associated with all large trucks. These include ample blind spots, long braking distances, and a general lack of maneuverability. Finally, trucks are equipped with gas tanks that carry a lot of fuel. If ignited, these fuel tanks can cause serious fires and explosions.

An Example of How Dangerous Concrete Trucks Can Be

The dangers of concrete trucks were made adamantly clear when one of these vehicles crashed in Jackson County. On March 15th of 2023, it was reported that a concrete truck had rolled over on a seemingly gentle turn. It’s not clear what exactly happened, but a rescue helicopter was quick to arrive at the scene. This suggests that the driver may have been seriously injured. No other vehicles were involved, but the situation could have been much worse if the concrete truck had rolled onto another vehicle or a pedestrian. The crash also caused minor delays in the area.

Where Can I Find a Mississippi Truck Accident Attorney?

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced truck accident attorney, look no further than Ballard Law, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs throughout the Magnolia State — including those who have been injured in truck accidents. We know how dangerous concrete trucks can be, and we’re ready to guide you toward the compensation you need and deserve. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan. Remember, internet research only gets you so far.

Sources

1. https://www.wxxv25.com/driver-of-concrete-truck-injured-in-rollover-crash/
2. https://www.cementtrucksafety.com/why.html#:~:text=Because%20most%20of%20their%20weight,to%20an%20incredibly%20unstable%20vehicle.

Ballard Law, PLLC

108 S President St.
Jackson, MS 39201
(769) 572-5111

If you have further questions about this article or legal concerns, call 800-672-3103