How Can Winter Weather Cause Truck Accidents?
December 15th, 2021
Last year’s Texas winter storm is a testament to how brutal the season can be.
It is known that more automobile accidents occur during the winter season. Ice, rain, sleet, and snow are all weather conditions that can affect the traction of a vehicle’s tires and cause catastrophic situations. These conditions make it difficult for everyone to drive, but can make it especially difficult for truck drivers. The size and weight of the truck are a few reasons why it makes them harder to drive during the winter.
If you or someone you love have fallen victim to a truck accident this winter, contact our truck accident attorneys in Austin at Ramos James Law, PLLC, to assist you in getting compensation and justice.
Slick Roads During the Winter Can Cause Grave Truck Accidents
Ice, water, and snow can all alter the surface of a road, causing it to become slicker and harder to drive on. Driving in these conditions can make it difficult to accelerate, brake, and turn.
The stopping distance of a truck is 20-40% more than an average vehicle, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Slick roads caused by hazardous weather conditions during the winter can make stopping significantly more challenging for truck drivers.
Also, the difference in weight between a passenger car and a truck can cause devastating damage if the two collide.
When you consider all this, you can see why we implore everyone, especially truck drivers, to take caution when driving during winter weather.
Unfavorable Weather Conditions Necessitate Safe Driving Tips
During this time, all drivers need to be extra cautious to keep everyone safe. The following are a few important strategies for driving in winter weather:
- Maintain your vehicle by assuring your brakes and tires are in good condition and working properly as stopping distances increase for all vehicles on icy or wet roads.
- During winter weather, you should drive slower and leave a greater gap between vehicles. This will make it easier to create a longer stopping distance and can prevent a collision.
- Drivers need to be more attentive and observant during adverse conditions. Remember, fatigue driving is impaired driving. One must stay alert during these conditions to react with good judgment.
- During the winter holidays, there are more gatherings and more opportunities to enjoy alcoholic beverages. While it’s nice to enjoy time with friends and families, you should never drink and drive. If you’re going to imbibe at a party, make sure to have a designated driver or another plan to avoid getting behind the wheel.
Truck Accident Attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC, Care for Your Well-Being
Truck accident attorneys in Austin at Ramos James Law, PLLC, care about your safety while driving in winter conditions. With this guidance, we hope you understand why driving a truck during winter can cause accidents and what you can do to prevent it.
If you or your family have been involved in an accident involving a truck, contact your Austin truck accident lawyer at Ramos James Law, PLLC, so we can assist in guiding you through getting the compensation and justice you deserve.