Why Do Trucks Have Spikes on Wheels?
Have you ever noticed that some commercial vehicles have spikes on their wheels and wondered why that is? There are a few possible answers to this question.
Why Do Semis Have Spikes on Wheels?
The spikes on semi-truck wheels serve several functions for truck drivers, including:
- Protection – Truck spikes cover the lug nuts that connect the wheel to the axle. When you remove a truck spike, you will find a lug nut underneath. Wheel nut spikes protect lug nuts from wear and tear, as well as weather damage, especially when trucks drive through rain, sleet, or snow. Truck spikes can also help deflect moisture away from the wheel as the truck drives down a wet road.
- Warning – Spikes on semi-trucks may also serve a defensive role, warning other motorists not to drive too closely to the truck. A driver who notices spikes on a truck’s wheels will instinctively want to avoid driving close to those spikes, meaning the driver will focus on keeping their lane or will pass the truck, thereby clearing the truck driver’s blind spot.
- Appearance – Commercial truck drivers who add truck tire spikes to their wheels may do so because they simply like the look. Since many truck drivers live in their trucks while driving long distances, it’s natural that many wish to customize their trucks’ appearance to suit their aesthetic preferences.
Are Truck Wheel Spikes Dangerous?
Although spiked lug nut covers seem like they could cause serious damage to another vehicle in a sideswipe accident, they usually pose less of a threat than they appear to. Most truck spikes are made out of materials like plastic or thin aluminum, meaning that a collision would cause the spike to snap off or crumble, potentially causing scratches and paint damage to another vehicle.
Are Truck Spikes Legal in Ohio?
Ohio law does not prohibit truck drivers from placing spikes over the lug nuts of their truck’s wheels unless doing so would cause the total width of the truck to exceed the limit of eight feet and six inches.
Do Spikes Actually Prevent Accidents?
Truck spikes can prevent accidents by causing other drivers to subconsciously avoid driving too close to the truck or staying next to it for an extended period, which may cause a truck driver to lose sight of a vehicle in their blind spot.
Should We Be Concerned About Truck Spikes?
There’s no reason to worry about wheel spikes on commercial trucks as long as you drive carefully. When driving near a truck with spikes, be sure to stay in your lane and do not linger in the truck driver’s blind spot for too long.
Contact Our Ohio Truck Accident Attorneys to Learn More
If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash in Ohio, you deserve experienced legal counsel who can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
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