It is vital that as a big rig driver, you adjust your driving for heavier loads. Failing to do so could lead to filing a claim with your truck insurance provider due to an accident. Here are a few facts the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration wants all truck drivers to know.

Did you know that a loaded trailer has a higher center of gravity? This means that it is are heavier at the top. It is important to remember that center of gravity does not have to line up with the physical center of the truck. The higher the center of gravity on a vehicle, the more unstable it may be on the road.

How often do you drive with a loaded trailer? Did you know that they have a 10 times greater chance of rolling over compared to the odds of a truck towing an empty trailer? Loaded trailers also require a much longer breaking distance for full stops. When weighed against a standard passenger car, the difference in the length of road it takes to stop is typically between 20 and 40 percent.

With the above facts in mind, it is vital that you avoid unnecessary speed while operating a big rig. Speeding or sudden braking could increase the odds of skidding or rolling over. This does not only risk a claim on your truck insurance, but also puts your life at risk.

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