The transportation of logs and equipment is the most significant exposure faced in the logging industry. The most frequent, dangerous and potentially fatal hazard is a "Tail Swing" accident, which occurs when a driver is making a left or right turn, and the logs being transported extend beyond the trailer's rear bolster and collide with one or a number of vehicles in an adjacent lane.

• Tail swing accidents are more prevalent on two lane roads where there is a lane to the left of the truck during a right hand turn.
• Left lane vehicles present a particular hazard to log truck drivers
• Tail swing accidents occur during left hand turns when a driver has not left sufficient room for the truck, trailer and extended logs to clear the lanes before oncoming traffic.
  
  

To help prevent tail swing accidents, log truck drivers should:

• Pre-plan all routes, noting all hazards and potential turns that may present a problem.
• Research and record their state's Legal Length Limit for logs (most states allow up to 14' beyond the center of the rear trailer axle).
• Know and use all of their state's marking requirements (flags, strobe lights etc.).
• Inspect their trucks prior to driving on the road to ensure all loads are secure and all lights are operable.
  
  

Right Hand Turns

• Use their turn signal to warn oncoming traffic that they are making a turn.
• Check all mirrors to ensure adequate clearance before making any maneuvers.
• Ensure their truck is positioned to make the turn safely, noting any traffic to the left.
• While making a turn; consider traffic approaching an intersection or at an intersection on the road they are turning into (Log trucks require more room to turn and often go into the oncoming lane).
• Stop and wait to complete a turn until all perceived hazards are cleared.
  
  

Left Hand Turns

• Begin to turn only when they're sure they can be completely clear (including overhanging logs) of all lanes they need to cross before oncoming traffic arrives.
• Use their turn signal to warn oncoming traffic that they are making a turn.
• Visually check lanes across intersections to ensure no vehicles are present that could hinder the path of the truck.
• Look out for any parked vehicles on the right side of the road they are turning into.