Commercial trucking keeps the economy running, but certain practices within the industry can present heightened risks to other drivers on the road. Bobtailing and deadheading are two such practices that, while necessary for trucking logistics, can create unique dangers. Understanding these risks can help both truck drivers and other motorists stay safe on the road. Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers helps Colorado injury victims seek justice if they have been injured due to a trucking accident.
What Are “Bobtailing” and “Deadheading”?
Bobtailing: This occurs when a semi-truck cab operates without an attached trailer. You may have noticed these cabs driving on highways or local roads, zipping around without the weight of a trailer behind them. These situations often happen when a driver is on their way to pick up a new load.
Deadheading: Deadheading refers to a truck driving with an empty trailer attached. While the trailer is physically present, its lack of cargo significantly alters the truck’s handling. Deadheading is common when a driver delivers a load and must return to a terminal or another pickup location with an empty trailer.
What Makes Empty Trailers So Dangerous?
Deadheading trucks carrying empty trailers present several risks due to their altered weight and handling dynamics. Here are some key dangers:
- Swinging in Bad Weather. An empty trailer lacks the weight to stabilize it during high winds or icy conditions. This can cause the trailer to sway or swing uncontrollably, potentially leading to jackknife accidents.
- Weight Distribution Issues. Without cargo, the truck’s weight distribution becomes uneven, concentrating more on the cab and less on the trailer. This imbalance makes it more difficult to control the vehicle, particularly during braking or cornering.
- Inexperienced Drivers. Drivers lacking deadheading experience may not fully understand how to adjust their driving techniques to accommodate these handling challenges. Quick maneuvers, harsh braking, or high-speed driving can quickly escalate into dangerous situations.
- Risky Driving Behaviors. Empty trailers do not generate revenue. As a result, drivers are often incentivized to reach their next cargo pickup quickly, leading to faster driving and potentially riskier behavior.
Are Truck Cabs Dangerous When They Don’t Have Trailers?
Bobtailing can be equally hazardous. Here’s why:
- Reduced Stability: Without the weight of a trailer, a bobtail truck becomes less stable. This makes it harder to handle, particularly on curvy or slick roads.
- Braking Differences: Brakes on tractor-trailers are calibrated to handle the combined weight of the cab and trailer. When the trailer is removed, the braking system can overcompensate, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control.
- Wind Sensitivity: Like deadheading trucks, bobtail trucks are more vulnerable to high winds due to their reduced weight and altered aerodynamics.
- Slippery Weather: A bobtail truck is prone to sliding in wet or icy conditions because it lacks the necessary weight to maintain traction.
What Kinds of Truck Accidents Are Caused by Deadheading and Bobtailing Vehicles?
Bobtailing and deadheading trucks are responsible for various types of accidents, including:
- Jackknife Accidents. A sudden loss of control can cause the cab and trailer to fold at sharp angles, resembling a pocketknife. These accidents often block multiple lanes of traffic and can involve several vehicles.
- Rollovers. The uneven weight distribution of deadheading trucks makes them more susceptible to rollovers, especially when taking sharp turns at speed or encountering high winds.
- Rear-End Collisions. Due to their altered braking systems, bobtail trucks may struggle to stop quickly, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Multivehicle Pileups. When a bobtail or deadheading truck skids out of control, it can cause several nearby vehicles to collide in a chain-reaction crash.
Who Is Liable for a Crash Caused by a Bobtailing or Deadheading Truck?
Determining liability in truck accidents involving bobtailing or deadheading 18-wheelers can be complex. Multiple parties may bear responsibility, depending on the circumstances:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver fails to account for the unique handling challenges of bobtailing or deadheading — such as by speeding, following too closely, or making abrupt maneuvers — they could be held liable for the crash. Poor judgment or inexperience often plays a role in these accidents.
- The Trucking Company: Employers may be held accountable for their drivers’ actions under vicarious liability. Additionally, if the company’s scheduling practices forced the driver to rush or failed to train the driver properly for bobtailing and deadhead trucking scenarios, the company could be directly liable.
- Third Parties: Other drivers, road maintenance crews, or vehicle manufacturers could share responsibility. For example, the manufacturer might be liable if a mechanical defect — such as a brake failure — contributed to the crash. Similarly, poorly maintained roads or reckless driving by another motorist could shift some responsibility to third parties.
- Shippers and Brokers: In certain situations, the parties responsible for coordinating or loading the shipment could also be liable if their actions contributed to the accident. This might include improper weight distribution during loading or pressuring drivers to operate under unsafe conditions.
Accurately determining liability requires a thorough investigation, often involving data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD), maintenance records, and witness testimony.
How to Share the Road with Bobtailing and Deadheading Trucks in Colorado
Colorado’s diverse terrain and unpredictable weather add extra challenges when sharing the road with bobtailing and deadheading trucks. Follow these tips to stay safe:
- Keep Your Distance: Maintain a safe following distance to allow room for sudden movements or braking by the truck.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots on all sides, especially bobtailing or deadheading. Ensure you remain visible to the driver.
- Be Cautious in Bad Weather: High winds, rain, or snow can amplify the risks associated with empty trucks. Give these vehicles extra space in such conditions.
- Anticipate Wide Turns: Trucks may swing wide when turning, particularly when bobtailing. Stay clear of their path.
- Do Not Cut Them Off: Sudden lane changes in front of a bobtail or deadheading truck can lead to rear-end collisions, as their braking performance is compromised.
Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers Will Fight for Your Rights and Future
Truck accidents can change lives in an instant. At Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers, we’re committed to helping injury victims secure the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, our experienced attorneys will stand by your side. With offices across Colorado, we’re ready to help you pursue justice. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and determine how we can best help you. Contact us for a free consultation now, and let us fight for your rights and future.
