Many of the worst collisions reported every year take place during the winter months. Indiana sees plenty of snow each year, as well as ice, sleet and slush when temperatures rise. Any driver may potentially struggle to account for slippery, dangerous road conditions.
Even the professionals operating commercial vehicles are potentially at risk of causing major collisions due to winter weather and its impact on the roads. When the weather takes a turn for the worse during the winter months, motorists may need to be aware of how the weather increases the chances of a commercial vehicle crash.
The weather creates direct hazards
Frozen precipitation and the water produced as precipitation melts can leave the streets slick and dangerous. Wet or frozen roads increase the stopping distance of vehicles, including commercial trucks. Large, heavy trucks already generally take longer to stop and slow down than smaller vehicles. When the roads are slick and snowy, truck drivers may not be able to stop in time to avoid a crash.
Additionally, whiteout conditions are possible. When cold temperatures and blustery winds kick up snow around the roads, the white-out conditions produced may exacerbate the existing blind spots around semi-trucks, making it harder for their operators to stay in their lanes and avoid other vehicles.
There are secondary hazards caused by winter weather
Commercial truck drivers are often on the road for more than eight hours a day. They could easily become fatigued during their time on the road, which can increase their chances of falling asleep at the wheel, missing changes in traffic conditions or making the wrong decision while driving.
Transportation companies frequently do not become more lenient when scheduling drivers because of winter conditions. Drivers still have very strict turnaround times that leave little wiggle room for slower speeds on major thoroughfares caused by inclement weather or crashes that may bring traffic to a standstill.
As a result, commercial drivers may be out on the road for far longer than they should be or may drive at speeds that are clearly unsafe given the wintry conditions on the road. The unfortunate reality is that winter weather undermines traffic safety and may increase the risk of a devastating semi-truck collision. Those affected by a commercial vehicle crash may have grounds for an insurance claim or possibly even a lawsuit.
Holding the right party accountable for a commercial truck collision can help people repair damaged vehicles, pay their medical expenses and recover lost wages. Having experienced legal guidance can help them pursue compensation for their losses.
