RCMP perform semi-truck skid tests

In order to help with their investigations into crashes, the RCMP have been performing skid tests to determine how fast a semi-truck can come to a stop.

RCMP performed tests on Wednesday, using a semi-truck filled with water to help recreate a possible situation.

The truck weighed as much as 32 police cars.

Corporal Jeff Burnett said the RCMP doesn’t have the opportunity to usually see commercial vehicles, such as semis, in these types of environments.  By doing these tests, officers can help find the adjustments they have to make when a crash involves these types of vehicles.

“Things such as the tire compounds and brake lag within the systems so there’s a value that we would sue to relate it to a private vehicle,” he said.

The test involved getting a semi-truck up to speed and then trying to come to a complete stop. When the brakes were hit, a piece of chalk would mark the road and RCMP would measure the distance from the time the brakes were hit and where it stopped.

This can help them determine how fast a truck was going during an investigation.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize that they need a lot more space,” he said. “There’s a lot more weight and a lot more tires and they don’t react as quickly as a small vehicle.”

Burnett also encouraged everyone to be safe on the highways during the long weekend.