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Large Loss Lessons Learned
Trailer Towing Fatality
Dump Truck Pulling Trailer
A CDL Driver and passenger were driving a dump truck
with an unloaded heavy duty utility trailer in tow.
The dump truck and the utility trailer were unloaded
and the vehicle was being used after hours for personal
use. The driver was traveling in a heavy rain storm
on a two lane curved roadway in the Pacific Northwest
with a posted speed limit of 45 mph. As the unit entered
a short inside radius curve the utility trailer in
tow began to swing out and into the opposing lane
of traffic. An automobile traveling in the oncoming
lane attempted evasive action to avoid the utility
trailer by moving to its right onto the shoulder.
The utility trailer continued to swing across the
north bound lane and into the north bound shoulder
striking the automobile. The utility trailer’s
left rear corner (driver’s side) struck the
driver side of the automobile. Impact was severe enough
to propel the automobile 30 feet into a residential
front yard.
Consequences
-
Auto driver and rear passenger
were killed
-
Truck driver was treated for emotional
stress
-
Total Incurred Loss > $3,000,000
-
The unit entered the curved road
segment at a speed which was too fast for conditions.
-
The centrifugal force created on
the unloaded trailer entering the turn exceeded
opposing traction force available between the tires
of the unloaded trailer and the wetted road surface.
Centrifugal force pushed the trailer out of its
travel lane and into and across the opposing travel
lane striking the automobile.
-
Need for CDL defensive driver training
program that includes use of unloaded trailers.
-
Institution of policies outlining
practices relating to personal use of company vehicles.
-
Reinforce, with drivers, the need
to reduce speed during inclement weather.
Please contact an XL Insurance risk control consultant
at +1 800-327-1414 if you need assistance with your
vehicle safety program, or other health, safety or
transportation issues affecting your operations.
"XL Insurance" is a registered trademark
of XL Capital Ltd. XL Insurance is the global brand
used by member insurers of the XL Capital Ltd group
of companies.
For general information purposes only. Contents
should not be construed or used as legal advice or opinion.
XL Insurance
520 Eagleview Blvd
PO Box 636
Exton, PA 19341-0636
Tel: +1 800-327-1414
Fax: +1 610-458-8667
www.xlinsurance.com/environmental
© X.L. America, Inc. All rights reserved.
FUNDAMENTAL STRENGTH –
CAPITAL AND PEOPLE
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