Truck Sway Accidents

Truck sway accidents, also known as trailer sway or fishtailing, are a type of truck accidents that happen when the trailer being towed by a truck begins to move from side to side uncontrollably. This erratic movement can lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle, potentially resulting in a rollover or collision. Several factors can contribute to truck sway accidents include:

Improper loading

Improper loading significantly contributes to truck sway accidents by affecting the balance and stability of the trailer. Here are some examples:

• Uneven weight distribution: If the load is not evenly distributed, it can create an imbalance.
• Center of Gravity: The height and position of the load affect the trailer’s center of gravity. A higher center of gravity, caused by stacking heavy items on top, increases the likelihood of sway.
• Overloading: Exceeding the trailer’s weight capacity can strain the vehicle and its components, such as tires and suspension, making it harder to control and more susceptible to sway.
• Rear-Heavy Loading: Placing too much weight at the rear of the trailer reduces the tongue weight (the downward force on the hitch). Low tongue weight can cause the trailer to become unstable and sway more easily.
• Shifting Loads: If the load is not properly secured, it can shift during transit. This movement can change the trailer’s center of gravity and create sudden imbalances, leading to sway.
• Axle Load Distribution: Improperly balancing the load over the trailer’s axles can cause instability. Ideally, the load should be distributed so that the majority of the weight is centered over the axles.

Preventing sway caused by improper loading involves ensuring that the load is well-distributed, properly secured, and within the weight limits of both the trailer and towing vehicle.

High winds

High winds can significantly contribute to truck sway accidents by exerting lateral forces on the trailer, making it difficult for the driver to maintain control. Here’s how high winds can lead to sway:

• Crosswinds: When winds blow perpendicular to the direction of travel, they can push the trailer sideways, causing the trailer to sway or fishtail, especially if it has a high profile or large surface area that catches the wind.
• Gusts: Sudden, unexpected gusts of wind can create abrupt, uneven forces on the trailer, leading to a loss of stability.
• Buffeting: Wind buffeting occurs when wind gusts hit the trailer intermittently. This causes it to rock back and forth and leads to a continuous sway motion that is hard to control.
• Passing Large Vehicles: When large vehicles, such as trucks or buses, pass by, they can create wind disturbances that affect the trailer’s stability, pushing it sideways.
• Wind Tunnels: Certain road conditions—driving through valleys, under overpasses, or between tall buildings—can create wind tunnels that increase wind speed and affect the trailer’s stability.

Speed

Speed affects the stability and control of the trailer and contributes to truck sway accidents in the following ways:

• Increased lateral forces: At higher speeds, even small steering inputs or wind gusts can generate significant lateral forces, which can cause the trailer to sway more dramatically.
• Reduced reaction time: The faster a vehicle is moving, the less time the driver has to react to sway, making it harder to correct the swaying motion before it becomes uncontrollable.
• Amplified trailer movements: Higher speeds can amplify any minor sway or fishtail movements, making them more severe and difficult to manage.
• Oversteering and overcorrection: At high speeds, drivers may oversteer or overcorrect in response to sway. Overcorrecting can lead to a pendulum effect, where the trailer swings more violently from side to side.
• Loss of traction: Higher speeds can lead to a loss of traction, especially in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice. This makes it harder to control both the truck and trailer and increases the risk of sway.
• Braking challenges: At high speeds, braking suddenly to control sway can cause the trailer to jackknife or lead to loss of control, especially if the trailer is not equipped with proper braking systems.

Poor road conditions

Poor road conditions disrupt the stability and control of the vehicle and trailer. Here’s how they contribute to truck sway accidents:

• Uneven surfaces: Potholes, cracks, and other irregularities in the road surface can cause sudden jolts and shifts in the trailer’s movement, leading to sway.
• Loose Surfaces: Roads with loose gravel or dirt provide less traction, making it easier for the trailer to lose stability and begin swaying.
• Slippery Conditions: Reduced traction on slick roads makes it harder to control both the truck and the trailer, increasing the likelihood of sway.
• Sharp Turns and Curves: Navigating poorly designed or maintained roads with sharp turns and curves can be challenging for towing vehicles. Taking curves at too high a speed or without proper control can cause the trailer to sway or fishtail.
• Steep Grades: Going downhill too quickly can increase the risk of sway, while climbing steep grades can strain the vehicle and affect handling.
• Ruts and Grooves: Roads with deep ruts or grooves can guide the tires into unwanted paths, leading to swaying motions.
• Transition Zones: Areas where road conditions change suddenly, such as from pavement to gravel or from smooth to rough surfaces, can cause trailers to sway.

Are Truck Sway Accidents Common?

The frequency of truck sway accidents can vary based on several factors, including driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, and driver behavior. Here are some types of accidents that commonly result from fishtailing:

• Single-vehicle accidents: Many truck sway incidents result in single-vehicle accidents, where the truck and trailer might overturn or collide with roadside objects.
• Rollover accidents: Rollovers are a significant risk for vehicles towing trailers. While not all rollovers are due to sway, it is often a contributing factor.
• Towing accidents: Statistics from various transportation safety agencies often highlight the risks associated with towing, including trailer sway.

Safety measures and proper towing practices can help reduce the frequency and severity of these accidents.

Were you severely injured in a truck sway accident? The South Carolina truck accident lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips LLC understand how devastating these crashes can be. Call us or fill out our contact form to set up a free case evaluation today.

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