Unhooking the trailer upon spotting a tornado?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Zonno, Mar 25, 2023.

  1. Zonno

    Zonno Light Load Member

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    In this video at 0:06,, you’ll notice where 3 trailers where dropped on the side of the road. It doesn’t look like there are any residential areas or businesses nearby, so while I like to think that I would just drive and not take the time to unhook upon spotting a tornado, I wonder if that’s what the drivers did here. I’m aware of drivers leaving their load somewhere like a truck stop and bobtailing home or to a motel, but I don’t typically see them leave them on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

    Coincidentally, those same trailers can be spotted at 1:45 in this separate video of the aftermath. 2 of them (including the tanker), were turned over.

     
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  3. Zonno

    Zonno Light Load Member

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    Annnnd could one of the mods kindly move this thread to the Questions From New Drivers section? I mistakenly posted it here.
     
    bullhaulerswife Thanks this.
  4. Dna Mach

    Dna Mach Road Train Member

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    No I think that’s a surviving short stretch of the old road through there. Those little sections are commonly used by drivers who live nearby for dropping trailers and bobtailing home.
     
    Concorde Thanks this.
  5. 4wayflashers

    4wayflashers Heavy Load Member

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    I guess dropping your trailer would give much better chance of escaping if you were unsure if you would need to turn around. I would definitely be clicking my heels. That I am sure of.
     
  6. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    Right. 2 of the 3 are grain haulers. Park it on Friday, pick it up on Monday.
    Also, the one that didn't get blown over was probably loaded.
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2023
    wis bang and Dna Mach Thank this.
  7. cuzzin it

    cuzzin it Road Train Member

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    If i see a tornado. I wont take the time to disconnect, i would be looking for place to hide
     
    bzinger, flood and Concorde Thank this.
  8. northstarfire0693

    northstarfire0693 Heavy Load Member

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    In aviation we check the weather before we fly. Same applies to trucking. When I was on the road, I would always check weather. If it looked bad, I wouldnt put myself in that situation. With all the current technology, there is no excuse to drive into bad weather.
     
  9. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Let me check my insurance policy. I just want to be sure there is no 'act of God' clause.
     
    D.Tibbitt, Cat sdp and Concorde Thank this.
  10. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    With today’s spot market rates I’d be heading directly towards that tornado :)
     
  11. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    I see it now... sorry dispatch.. I can't take that load I checked the weather its gona rain 100 miles from were I gota deliver
    You got something towards Texas its gona be sunny and 70°
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 26, 2023
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