Do Adverse Weather Conditions Affect Semi-Truck Driving?

Do adverse weather conditions affect semi-truck drivers? Poor weather conditions adversely affect everyone on Indiana roads, including semi-truck drivers. Commercial truck drivers must use extreme caution and reduce speed when driving in adverse conditions. Semi-trucks pose a signification danger if the drivers lose control on slick roads. A massive vehicle sliding out of control can cause devastating accidents and severe injuries.

The best way to avoid a collision during poor weather conditions is to stay off the road. Unfortunately, commercial truck drivers trying to meet delivery deadlines may feel pressure to stay on the road even when the driving conditions are hazardous. If a truck driver failed to use caution and reduce their speed in adverse weather, the semi-truck driver may be financially liable if an accident occurs.

The personal injury lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC in Indianapolis can help you understand your legal rights after a semi-truck accident in inclement weather conditions.

What Should Semi Drivers Do When Driving on Wet Pavement?

Wet roads increase the distance required to stop a heavy truck.

Truck drivers should take the following precautions to prevent accidents:

• Check local weather conditions at the start of their shift
• Make sure headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers are all in good, working order
• Avoid distractions
• Increase following distances
• Drive slower than the posted speed limit

What Should Semi Drivers Do When Driving on Snow?

Cold weather can make roads treacherous blowing snow. Semi-truck drivers must adjust their driving to accommodate severe winter weather conditions and use caution. The Commercial Driver’s License manual says that when driving on packed snow, a commercial vehicle driver should reduce their speed by 50 percent because it’s harder to stop the vehicle.

When driving on snow, a truck driver should:

• Use Indiana’s 511 road condition system to check the condition and status of local roadways
• Allow extra time to reach destinations
• Allow plenty of extra space between other vehicles
• Carry a winter driving kit
• Avoid distractions

What Should Semi Drivers Do When Driving on Ice?

Ice is one of the most dangerous weather conditions. The Commercial Driver’s License manual says truck drivers should get off the road as soon as possible when faced with driving on icy roads. Unfortunately, many truck drivers try to keep rolling on icy roads. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly a quarter of all weather-related accidents occur in icy conditions.

Truck drivers should always use caution and consider the following:

• Wait for road conditions to improve
• Slow down
• Allow extra space between vehicles
• Avoid distractions
• Use chains
• Keep a winter driving kit in your truck

How Can Semi Drivers Know If the Temperature is Below Freezing?

Semi-truck drivers should always pay attention to local weather forecasts and road conditions. The Indiana Department of Transportation gives all motorists up-to-date road condition information via their 511 system. Most trucks have onboard thermometers, allowing drivers to gauge ambient temperatures.

Who Is At Fault for a Bad Weather Semi Wreck?

Adjusting your driving to accommodate weather conditions is a good approach for all drivers to avoid accidents. For commercial truck drivers, it is mandatory. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that all truck drivers exercise extreme caution when operating their vehicles in inclement weather.

Poor weather conditions can contribute to a dangerous driving environment. But bad weather is no excuse for causing a truck accident. Depending on the circumstances, a truck driver or trucking company may be liable for the accident if they failed to operate the vehicle safely in the given weather conditions.

Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys

Were you injured in an accident involving a large truck in bad weather? The truck driver may still be financially liable if the commercial driver failed to adjust their driving in adverse weather. Have an experienced truck accident attorney with Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC review the details of your accident and help you understand the steps you can take.

Contact our Indianapolis office to set up a free case review with an experienced, tenacious lawyer today.