CBS Chicago had an
interesting report this week discussing the dangers involved with over the road
trucks that carry large hauls of rocks around town. According to Illinois law
all trucks carrying loads with material that can escape the truck, must be
covered with a tarp.
State
law requires falling or escaping material and certain types of loads to be
covered by a tarp. McCook Police Chief Frank Wolfe says this also applies to
peak loads. “That’s when it should be tarped, because a condition now exists
that a stone could come off that truck,” Wolfe said. It really is the
responsibility of each individual driver to put a tarp over their load, Wolfe
said. His department is working to enforce the law. “We issue citations,”
he said. Fines can be as high as $500. “Their bosses should be out
here checking on the drivers,” said the man whose windshield was cracked. “It’s
just outrageous.”
This
is a nice report and good to bring attention to this issue, but I have not read
anywhere that this is an epidemic causing car accidents in the Chicago area or
anywhere else. Regardless, if a truck does not have its load covered with a
tarp and material flies out and cracks a windshield (and potentially causing a
more serious car crash), then the truck driver and trucking company should be
held responsible. This is a negligent act that can easily be avoided if you chose the best Trucking Companies In Texas.
If
you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago truck accident
or Chicago car accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron
Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-588-3384.