What started as a photo from behind a dump truck turned into a closer look at a claim drivers see every day, but rarely question.
On Reddit, user International-Air542 shared a picture showing the back of a dump truck and wrote, “This Trash Truck that says to leave an American Football Field distance between cars.”
The photo shared by the original poster (OP) shows the warning on the dump truck which says: “STAY BACK 300’”
Another line of the warning says: “NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES.”
While the truck itself appeared ordinary, the disclaimer printed on it became the focus of discussion, with commentators questioning why such warnings remain common despite widespread belief that they are misleading.
A Familiar Warning Questioned
Many critics said the language on the truck gives drivers the wrong impression about their rights after an accident involving debris. Several pointed out that trucking companies are required to secure their loads and can still be held accountable if material falls and causes damage.
“Fun fact, ‘Not responsible for damages,’ is BS. They are responsible for securing their load AND for any damages caused by an unsecure load,” one contributor argued.
Another commenter insisted, “They are responsible for damage their loads cause. Classic myth.”
Advice From Driver With Industry Experience
Meanwhile, one commentator, who said they work in an industry that relies heavily on dump trucks, explained how drivers should respond if debris strikes their vehicle.
“Helpful tip from someone who works in a field that utilizes dump trucks daily—If a rock or debris hits your car/windshield from one of these and leaves damages, call the trucking company immediately,” the commentator wrote.
They stressed that how the incident is described can affect the outcome of a claim, advising drivers to state that the debris came directly from the truck itself.
When Loads Create Bigger Problems
While the Reddit thread focused on everyday damage like chipped paint and cracked windshields, unsecured or dangerous loads have caused larger disruptions.
Newsweek reported about a 2021 incident where vehicle collision resulted in a dump truck spilling cow manure across a Florida highway.
“The front of the semi-truck struck the rear of the dump truck, hauling manure. Debris from both vehicles and manure were scattered across the travel lanes,” a Florida Highway Patrol public affairs officer told Newsweek at the time.
Another Newsweek story covered an incident where New York City’s Sanitation Department issued a stark warning after an oxygen tank exploded in a garbage truck—and started a fire.
The explosion occurred after residents failed to properly dispose of their oxygen tanks.
Newsweek has reached out to International-Air542 for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case.
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