How Different Weather Contributes to Truck Wrecks
We know that weather can significantly impact driving. Just take a look at how many wrecks there are when it rains, snows, or otherwise isn’t a perfectly sunny day. We also know that when the weather is nasty, we have to adjust our driving habits so we don’t end up causing a wreck.
However, not all drivers are quite as aware of the weather. And not all vehicles are affected by weather the same way. When you’re sharing the road with semi-trucks, keep in mind that they will drive differently than you do, and it’s important to be aware of the moves they might make. The Car Crash Captain goes through some of the more common weather mishaps.
Rain and the Wet Roads Beneath You
If you’re in a passenger vehicle, you know that wet roads can get slick. This is especially true after a period of time with no rain. A little rain, combined with the oil and gas that has leaked out onto the road, turn the otherwise grippy asphalt into a skating rink… well, maybe not that slick.
While semi-trucks are bigger and heavier, they may still slip on the wet roads. Greater stopping distance is required (on top of their already longer stopping distance), and reduced visibility makes it harder for them to see you.
Fog and the Reduction of Visibility
Speaking of reduced visibility, have you ever driven into a patch of dense fog? You can go from absolutely clear, to barely able to see 20 feet ahead of you in a matter of seconds.
Now, consider the fact that a semi takes much longer to stop, and if they come into that same fog, they can’t see very far ahead of them. If you’ve slowed, or stopped, because you can’t see, there’s a good chance the truck will plow right into the back of your vehicle.
Snow and Ice for the Slippery Surface
Texas isn’t known for snowy weather, but we do get some wild ice storms on occasion. Often it starts as rain, but then the wet surfaces freeze as the temperatures dip below freezing. The worst part is when this happens, it’s almost impossible to tell a wet road from an icy road.
Just like your car, a truck hitting that black ice can lose control. While they will “stick” better due to their weight, when the tires break loose the mass of the truck can cause some serious destruction.
Wind and the Tipping Trucks
There are some highways, usually in the plains or desert where there aren’t trees or buildings to slow the wind, that can be downright treacherous just because of the wind gusts. When a semi is pulling a trailer that doesn’t have an incredibly heavy load, that trailer can literally just tip right over due to those gusts.
Even without tipping over, a truck in high winds is hard to control. Wind can push them out of their lane, and into any vehicle driving nearby. Watch as the high winds in Canada tip a semi onto its side.
Extreme Heat and the Invisible Killer
Often, we consider winter driving, especially if there is snow and ice, to be more treacherous than summer driving. But the summer creates problems of its own. High heat can cause tires to become over pressurized, and the softened rubber makes them blow out. Engine’s overheating and breakdowns are concerns of their own.
Even if the mechanics of the truck are up-to-snuff, heat takes a toll on drivers. Fatigue and reduced reaction times can lead to driver error and wrecks.
Come See Herbert Law Group if You’ve Been in a Wreck
The best way to avoid a wreck is to be prepared for what’s going to happen. Understand the road, the conditions, and pay attention to the drivers around you.
Weather conditions can change quickly, and if they do, you have to know how the truckers on the road with you may react. Never follow closely, try not to stay beside them for too long, and don’t stop suddenly. When driving proactively like this, the chance of being injured or killed is greatly reduced.
If you have been injured, or your loved one was killed, in a semi-truck accident, then we need to talk. Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll be in touch with you soon for your free initial consultation.