Are Truck Spikes Actually Dangerous?

If you’ve ever been in traffic near a tractor-trailer, as most of us have, you’ve probably seen trucks bearing sharp, pointed spikes sticking out of the truck’s wheel hubs. These may be made of metal or sometimes plastic attachments, and can often seem intimidating. They’ve also stirred up quite a lot of curiosity and concern among other drivers.

But appearances can be deceiving which leaves many to wonder: Are truck spikes actually dangerous, or are they simply a flashy accessory?

To answer that question, let’s dive into the details to understand what these spikes are, what they’re used for, and whether they pose any real danger to other vehicles or pedestrians.

What Are Truck Spikes?

The spikes you see on the wheels of tractor-trailers are often advertised simply as “lug nut covers.”

Despite their sometimes intimidating look, they’re typically made of plastic or a lightweight metal like tin or aluminum. Designed to screw over the lug nuts on a truck’s wheels, these covers come in various shapes and sizes, with the “spikes” design being one of the more popular types.

They can range from just a few inches to over a foot in length (there are legal limits), but most are harmless and designed purely for decoration.

Why Do Truck Drivers Use Spiked Lug Nut Covers?

There are several reasons why truck drivers might choose to add these spikes to their wheels. Some of these include:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Many truck drivers take great pride in their rigs, and enjoy customizing them as a way to express their individuality. Spiked lug nut covers add a rugged, aggressive look that stands out on the road, giving their rig a distinctive sense of style. This is probably the most common reason for their use.
• Lug Nut Protection: Beyond just the aesthetic factor, spiked covers can serve a functional purpose as well, protecting the lug nuts beneath from dirt, moisture, damage, or corrosion from road salts and other damaging chemicals used on roads. These spikes can also help prevent rust from forming and extend the life of the lug nuts, minimizing the frequency of failure or replacement.
• Safety: While it may seem counterintuitive, some truckers believe that the spikes act as a deterrent from aggressive drivers who might otherwise drive too closely, risking a sideswipe accident. By making the truck’s wheels look larger and more intimidating, other drivers may be encouraged to keep a safe distance when paralleling or passing the truck.

Are Truck Spikes Actually Dangerous?

The good news is that truck spikes are far less dangerous than they may seem at first glance.

As mentioned above, most spiked lug nut covers are made from plastic or soft metal, meaning that, despite their “Road Warrior” feel, they tend to bend or shatter before they can cause any significant damage.

Still, there are some common concerns, including:

Potential for Damage in Close Quarters

One concern is that these spikes might cause damage if a vehicle gets too close to the truck.

In reality, most lug nut covers are not strong enough to puncture a car’s body or cause serious damage. At worst, they might leave a scratch or small dent, but they’re unlikely to cause severe harm and are far less dangerous than the sheer size and weight of a tractor-trailer itself.

Legal Restrictions and Regulations

There are regulations regarding the use of spikes on tractor-trailer tires, which vary by region. Some areas have specific guidelines that dictate allowable length and material to ensure they don’t pose a significant risk to other drivers.

For example, the state of Hawaii currently bans “any wheel, wheel cover, hubcap, lug nut cover or cap, prong, or any ornamentation affixed to any of the aforementioned items that extend at least four inches beyond the portion of the wheel rim.”

Also, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the United States has regulations to prevent the use of hazardous wheel accessories, specifically banning any accessories “that decreases the safety of operation of a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce.”

Driver compliance with state and federal regulations is required, or they risk fines, penalties, and even the potential loss of their license.

Alternatives to Truck Spikes

For truck drivers who enjoy customizing their rigs but have concerns about the potential risks of adding wheel spikes, many alternatives offer similar appeal without the associated concerns.

Decorative hubcaps or wheel covers that provide a unique look are popular, or drivers can opt for shorter spikes made from softer materials to still achieve the desired “aggressive” look while minimizing potential harm.

Despite their appearance, there’s very little evidence that truck wheel spikes pose any significant danger to other drivers on the road. Still, concerns raised by those advocating safety should still be addressed.

At Trucking Injury Law Group, we understand that the key to addressing this issue is finding a balance between aesthetics and safety. Truckers must adhere to regulations, while the industry as a whole should increase awareness, dispel myths, and do their part to reduce public anxiety.

By working together, we can ensure that the roads remain safe for all drivers while allowing truckers to personalize their vehicles responsibly.

If you or someone you care about has been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, our experienced attorneys can help.

Contact us today for a free consultation.