The average American is most likely unaware of the amount of hazardous material that traverses this country from coast to coast (on a daily and weekly basis). One authority offers that up to fifteen percent of goods on our roads at any time are hazardous materials.
This includes products that are corrosive, ignitable, explosive, toxic or reactive - such as motor oil, pesticides, and paint. Frankly, there are dozens and dozens of hazardous materials - too numerous to name.
Truck drivers who transport hazardous materials must adhere to the following expectations. First, they must pass a special exam. They must always put hazardous material signs on the truck positioned so they are easily visible to all around them. Liquid hazardous materials are transported in tankers that themselves must meet specific guidelines.
In addition, some communities will not allow hazardous material inside the city limits or on certain roadways. Rig drivers need to be aware of these expectations and make sure there is a contingency plan in place for this situation.
Research shows that the number of hazmat accidents on highways is twelve times greater than rail transport. Too, there is four times the number of fatalities in roadway hazmat accidents. And Texas truck accidents with chemical spills shut down our Texas highways for long periods of time.
Finally, there is a significant increase in the actual amount of accidents that have occurred over the past decade.
Unfortunately, Texas semi-truck accidents that involve hazardous material tend to be more spectacular and dangerous than other accidents due to the nature of the cargo. They require hazmat experts to come to the scene and handle the crash.
Greg Baumgartner is a Texas 18 wheeler accident lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a Texas personal injury lawyer call the Baumgartner firm.
