Truck Accidents Are More Common in Winter Weather

Anybody who lives in the Northeast knows that winter driving brings extra risks. Driving is always a task that requires attention, but when there is snow, slush or ice on the ground things are even more challenging, and can be downright dangerous. The statistics about winter weather accidents in the United States are sobering:

• One in every four accidents in the U.S. are related to weather
• Weather-related accidents result in almost 7,400 deaths per year
• Weather-related accidents result in over 673,000 injuries per year

The reasons behind these statistics are obvious. Ice and snow make roads more slippery, making it much more difficult to control a vehicle, and precipitation reduces visibility. The issues that plague drivers are exacerbated for tractor trailers, which are already much more difficult to maneuver. Truck accidents are more common in winter weather, and because of that the drivers of these vehicles need to be extra vigilant in order to prevent injury to the passengers in the vehicles with whom they share the roads. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident and you believe that the driver was not driving responsibly, the attorneys at Wallace Law can help.

Truck drivers are always expected to drive with extreme care: the sheer size and power of the vehicles that they are driving demands a heightened level of skill, training and attention. But when the roads are bad and visibility is poor, extra attention is required. There are a number of actions that can contribute to truck accidents in bad weather, including:

• Driving too fast for road conditions: Because of their size, trucks require much greater distances to effectively stop their vehicles, and when the roads are slippery that distance becomes even greater. Truck drivers need to allow more room between themselves and other drivers and reduce their speed.
• Switching lanes without warning: Truck drivers need to be aware that with reduced visibility and diminished control, the drivers around them need warning of what they are doing on the road. This means that they need to be meticulous in the use of their lights and their turn signals, and exercise extreme caution before switching lanes to ensure that another vehicle is not in their blind spot.
• Moving stopped vehicles out of the way: Icy conditions can make it dangerous for a truck to be on the roads, but a truck driver needs to show responsibility in where they stop their vehicle. Trucks need to be well off of the highway and have appropriate warning signals and signs to ensure that unsuspecting motorists will not crash into them.

• Vehicle maintenance: All drivers need to make sure that their vehicles are well maintained before heading out in wintery weather conditions, and this is especially true of truck drivers who need to rely on their brakes, their windshield wipers, their lights, and other essential maintenance items.

The costs associated with winter weather accidents can be overwhelming. If you have been in a truck accident and you believe that negligence played a part, then the attorneys at Wallace Law can help. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.