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December 10, 2011

Tanker Truck Accidents

Tanker trucks are a specific type of semi-truck designed to carry liquefied loads, gases or dry bulk cargo. Because this encompasses such a wide variety of products tankers take a variety of forms.

Tanker trucks are actually prone to roll over accidents for several reasons. First, the design of the carrier makes it more likely to roll in extreme weight shifts. Then, if it does roll, it has a tendency to roll multiple times (like a ball) before coming to rest.

Tankers are also more difficult to stop in certain circumstances and behave very differently when loaded than when empty. Truckers who drive tankers must be aware of the unique ways in which this vehicle behaves under different circumstances before getting behind the wheel and taking to the open road.

Unfortunately, other causes of tanker truck accidents are similar to that of fellow semi-truck drivers. Driver fatigue and inattention are two reasons for serious truck accidents. A poorly maintained vehicle or inexperience can also lead to injury and death of the truck driver or other innocent drivers and passengers on the road.

Finally, tankers are usually transporting flammable or toxic materials that make them an even greater danger and more reason to travel cautiously - a warning to all those on the road. Tanker trucks in particular are the cause of several accidents a week in and around Houston and the country. Some are deadly - all are unsettling and even the truck accident without injury can have huge costs in cleanup and traffic delay.

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May 16, 2011

Truck Driver Accused of Dumping Hazardous Waste in Houston

Recent reports indicate that a local area man was arrested for allegedly dumping huge quantities of hazardous wastes from a tanker truck into the city of Houston storm drains.

Reports further indicate that the man arrested was allegedly employed by a local area company. The investigation over allegations of azygos waste dumping began several months ago after reports that a detention pond had been contaminated. Reportedly the police investigation concluded that thousands of gallons of hazardous waste were being improperly dumped in the Houston area.

It remains to be seen what charges if any are brought against the company that allegedly employed the tanker truck driver. Estimates of damage to the storm drain waters are in excess of half of a million dollars.

Houston Police Department environmental investigations unit and Harris County precinct number one constables were involved in the investigation of the alleged improper dumping.

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