A truck hauling a dump trailer in Portland, Maine, lost control and crashed into a house.
According to The Press Herald, the vehicle lost control of its tow after another pickup truck was driving into the oncoming lane. An investigation by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office determined that Anthony Ganem, 53, of Raymond, was hauling a dump trailer when he swerved to avoid an oncoming red pickup truck.
Ganem suffered minor injuries and the side of the home was completely destroyed, though no injuries were reported from inside the property.
Ganem stated that he believed the driver was distracted by a cell phone. The driver of the red pickup fled the scene and the case remains under investigation.
Up to 500,000 reefer trailers are currently in operation in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are over 50,000 accidents every year related to towing. Whether another driver causes the loss of control or a dozen other reasons, trailer sway is real and needs to be prevented as much as possible.
Driving safely is perhaps the best way to prevent serious roadway incidents involving trailer sway, but there are other ways to avoid these crashes, as well. For instance, trailer sway devices can offer excellent control when towing trailers, vehicles, or freights of all sizes. Trailer sway devices come in two basic types: those that reduce sway once it has already begun and those that work to prevent sway altogether.
Additionally, the type of vehicle doing the towing matters, as well. According to Top Speed, there are five trucks, in particular, that offer excellent towing and heavy lifting control:
- Nissan Titan XD — The Titan namesake speaks for itself, capable of towing 11,600 pounds for the four by two with endurance trim.
- GMC Sierra 3500 HD — Equipped with 910 pound-feet of metal twisting torque, this powerful truck can tow approximately 23,100 pounds.
- Ram 3500 Limited — This Ram truck is capable of towing 18,000 pounds, allowing any driver to tow just about any freight visually anywhere.
- Chevy Silverado 3500 — Equipped with a towing capacity of 23,100 pounds, the Silverado is one of the best towing vehicles on the market.
- Ford F-450 Super Duty — With a conventional tow rating of 21,000 pounds, this truck is considered the ultimate tow rig.