What Is Bobtailing, and Why Is It Dangerous?

Tractor-trailers hauling loads from one destination to another are a common sight on Virginia’s freeways. What’s less common is seeing a tractor engaged in “bobtailing,” or driving without a trailer. If you witness this, be careful — bobtailing can increase the chances of a severe truck accident.

What is bobtailing, and why is it so risky? This post will explain this uncommon practice and why trucking companies discourage it.

Bobtailing Explained

What is bobtailing? This term describes a practice in which a tractor is driven to its destination without pulling a trailer. The exposed hitch resembles the cropped tails of work horses whose owners used to use them to tow loads.

There are a few reasons why a truck driver might bobtail. It could be that they’ve just finished dropping off a load or are on their way to pick one up. They may also be taking the truck in for repairs. Yet another possible explanation is that the driver is relocating to another service area.

Although there are legitimate reasons for bobtailing, trucking companies generally warn drivers against the practice.

A truck that isn’t hauling a load doesn’t earn the driver or their employing company money, which means bobtailing represents lost time and profits. For this reason, trucking companies will try to schedule their drivers’ routes so they’re always carrying a load, no matter where they’re headed.

The Dangers of Bobtailing

Beyond possible economic losses, bobtailing can also be hazardous. A truck that isn’t hauling a load handles differently than one that is. Inattentive or inexperienced drivers can cause accidents if they fail to appreciate these differences.

A truck crash could result from bobtailing due to any of the following factors:

Higher Center of Gravity

A truck that isn’t weighed down with a load has a higher center of gravity, making it more prone to tipping or rolling over when bobtailing. Truckers who take turns too fast, make sudden movements, or drive in high winds can wreck even if these same actions wouldn’t have caused a crash in a fully loaded tractor-trailer.

Less Braking Power

Trucks without trailers don’t have the same braking power as tractor-trailer combos. As a result, bobtailing trucks require a greater distance than fully loaded trucks to stop safely.

Truckers who engage in bobtailing should give themselves additional distance from other motorists, especially during inclement weather. Otherwise, they could rear-end a vehicle or find themselves unable to avoid a collision.

Reduced Traction

Moreover, a bobtail truck doesn’t have the same amount of contact with the road’s surface as a truck pulling a trailer. As a result, it’s easier for it to slide or skid in wet or slippery conditions. This can also happen during extreme braking maneuvers. When a truck slides or skids, its movements become unpredictable, and a crash can follow.

Common Types of Accidents Caused by Bobtailing

For these reasons, bobtailing can present a greater risk of accidents, especially when the driver is forced to make sudden maneuvers or contend with adverse weather. Side-impact collisions, rear-end crashes, and rollovers are just some of the kinds of accidents that can follow.

Regardless of the type of accident, trucking crashes can be devastating for occupants of passenger cars and other smaller vehicles. These individuals can sustain:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Burns from leaking fuel or heated surfaces

These injuries don’t include the emotional and mental trauma those hurt in trucking accidents can experience.

Legal Liability for Bobtail Accidents

As with any other accident, determining liability for a bobtail accident can be complicated. Drivers unfamiliar with how bobtail trucks handle can inadvertently commit negligent acts that may lead to a crash. In such a case, the driver would face legal liability for any injuries or damage they caused.

Trucking companies might also be responsible for bobtail accidents.

Companies that employ drivers are accountable for their errors and mistakes on the road. Even if the driver isn’t primarily responsible for the crash, assigning an inexperienced driver to operate a bobtail can be a contributing factor. This can lead the company to bear some responsibility for the accident.

FAQ

What Is Bobtailing?

When a commercial truck or tractor is driven without a trailer or other load, it’s referred to as “bobtailing.” The term gets its name from the exposed hitch, which resembles the short “bobtails” that horses used to sport when working or pulling loads.

Bobtailing is relatively uncommon, as it isn’t profitable for trucking companies and presents unnecessary risks on the road.

What Should I Do After a Bobtailing Truck Accident?

Your first priority after a truck accident should be ensuring your safety. Get to a safe location away from other traffic and call 911 to report the incident. Try to get the truck driver's name and insurance information, as well as the name of the company they work for.

Once you’ve done that, head to the hospital for evaluation and treatment, and follow your doctor’s orders for follow-up care.

Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Consulting a truck accident attorney after a bobtail truck accident can be highly beneficial. Your lawyer can review the available evidence to determine what role bobtailing played in your accident. They can then assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Contact Commonwealth Law Group Today

If you or a loved one have been hurt in a truck accident, turn to Commonwealth Law Group for dependable legal assistance. Our attorneys will dedicate the full extent of their knowledge and resources to protecting your rights and seeking fair and adequate compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.