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Truck Insurance - Advantageous Safety Features for Trucks

March 8, 2008

When determining insurance premiums, a truck insurance provider takes many factors into consideration. One of the most important factors is safety features. Having working safety features will greatly reduce insurance rates. Additionally, many safety features are required by law.

Lighting and Reflectors

All lights are required to be visible and not covered. This means that they cannot be hidden by the cargo or parts of the trailer or be covered with dirt. All tail-lights must be red. Amber tail-lights are not allowed. Additionally:

-Two turn signals are required on the rear of the truck to alert passing vehicles of lane changes and turns.
-Trailers must have rear side marker lights 60 inches from the ground.
-Trailers must have two reflex reflectors at the rear indicating the width of the trailer.

Retroreflective sheeting is also a requirement for trailers. The total length of the sheeting on the sides should be half the length of the trailer. It should also extend across the rear of the trailer.

Front fog lamps are an excellent safety feature. If they are used, it must be in conjunction with headlights, rather than as an alternative to headlights.

Electronics

The storage compartment for the battery must be sealed and all corrosive leads must be painted with acid resistant paint. Naturally, all wiring must be properly insulated with proper grounding.

Brakes

All trucks must be equipped with a breaking system adequate for the weight of the combined truck and trailer in operation. Parking breaks must also be used. The brakes must be active on all wheels. The brakes must always be in good condition. This means that any damage or wearing of brake pads, brake chambers, and slack adjusters should be remedied as soon as possible. Anti-lock brakes are also required on all trucks.

Tires

All tires must be in working condition, meaning that the belt is not exposed through the tread. Tires used must be capable of supporting the weight and distribution of a load.

Truck Insurance Companies

Some commercial truck insurance companies such as The Truck Insurance Group and the Direct Truck Insurance Company will actually go out to inspect the trucks for safety before they consider insuring the vehicle. If the trucks do not pass their safety test, they may not issue an insurance policy.

By Joe T

Joe Trzepla is a consultant that consults for the Truck Insurance Group, which specializes in truck insurance for small fleet and individual truckers.

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