The Risks of Bobtailing and Deadheading

Bobtailing

This occurs when a semi-truck cab operates without an attached trailer. You may have noticed these cabs driving on highways or local roads, zipping around without the weight of a trailer behind them. These situations often happen when a driver is on their way to pick up a new load.

Deadheading

Deadheading refers to a truck driving with an empty trailer attached. While the trailer is physically present, its lack of cargo significantly alters the truck’s handling. Deadheading is common when a driver delivers a load and must return to a terminal or another pickup location with an empty trailer.

Swinging in Bad Weather

An empty trailer lacks the weight to stabilize it during high winds or icy conditions. This can cause the trailer to sway or swing uncontrollably, potentially leading to jackknife accidents.

Weight Distribution Issues

Without cargo, the truck’s weight distribution becomes uneven, concentrating more on the cab and less on the trailer. This imbalance makes it more difficult to control the vehicle, particularly during braking or cornering.

Inexperienced Drivers

Drivers lacking deadheading experience may not fully understand how to adjust their driving techniques to accommodate these handling challenges. Quick maneuvers, harsh braking, or high-speed driving can quickly escalate into dangerous situations.

Risky Driving Behaviors

Empty trailers do not generate revenue. As a result, drivers are often incentivized to reach their next cargo pickup quickly, leading to faster driving and potentially riskier behavior.

Reduced Stability

Without the weight of a trailer, a bobtail truck becomes less stable. This makes it harder to handle, particularly on curvy or slick roads.

Braking Differences

Brakes on tractor-trailers are calibrated to handle the combined weight of the cab and trailer. When the trailer is removed, the braking system can overcompensate, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control.

Wind Sensitivity

Like deadheading trucks, bobtail trucks are more vulnerable to high winds due to their reduced weight and altered aerodynamics.

Slippery Weather

A bobtail truck is prone to sliding in wet or icy conditions because it lacks the necessary weight to maintain traction.

Jackknife Accidents

A sudden loss of control can cause the cab and trailer to fold at sharp angles, resembling a pocketknife. These accidents often block multiple lanes of traffic and can involve several vehicles.

Rollovers

The uneven weight distribution of deadheading trucks makes them more susceptible to rollovers, especially when taking sharp turns at speed or encountering high winds.

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their altered braking systems, bobtail trucks may struggle to stop quickly, leading to rear-end collisions.

Multivehicle Pileups

When a bobtail or deadheading truck skids out of control, it can cause several nearby vehicles to collide in a chain-reaction crash.

The Truck Driver

If the driver fails to account for the unique handling challenges of bobtailing or deadheading — such as by speeding, following too closely, or making abrupt maneuvers — they could be held liable for the crash. Poor judgment or inexperience often plays a role in these accidents.

The Trucking Company

Employers may be held accountable for their drivers’ actions under vicarious liability. Additionally, if the company’s scheduling practices forced the driver to rush or failed to train the driver properly for bobtailing and deadhead trucking scenarios, the company could be directly liable.

Third Parties

Other drivers, road maintenance crews, or vehicle manufacturers could share responsibility. For example, the manufacturer might be liable if a mechanical defect — such as a brake failure — contributed to the crash. Similarly, poorly maintained roads or reckless driving by another motorist could shift some responsibility to third parties.

Shippers and Brokers

In certain situations, the parties responsible for coordinating or loading the shipment could also be liable if their actions contributed to the accident. This might include improper weight distribution during loading or pressuring drivers to operate under unsafe conditions.

Keep Your Distance

Maintain a safe following distance to allow room for sudden movements or braking by the truck.

Avoid Blind Spots

Trucks have large blind spots on all sides, especially bobtailing or deadheading. Ensure you remain visible to the driver.

Be Cautious in Bad Weather

High winds, rain, or snow can amplify the risks associated with empty trucks. Give these vehicles extra space in such conditions.

Anticipate Wide Turns

Trucks may swing wide when turning, particularly when bobtailing. Stay clear of their path.

Do Not Cut Them Off

Sudden lane changes in front of a bobtail or deadheading truck can lead to rear-end collisions, as their braking performance is compromised.