The weather has a direct impact on traffic safety. Certain types of weather may increase the likelihood of motor vehicle collisions. Any crash is cause for concern, but a crash involving a semi-truck has the potential to be particularly severe.
The size and design of semi-trucks make them particularly dangerous in traffic. The limitations on how they operate in traffic can make them especially vulnerable to certain types of weather-related collisions. Federal rules actually require that semi-truck operators adjust their conduct based on the weather or stop driving in severe weather conditions. Drivers who account for hazards like those below can make safer choices on the road that just might make the difference between arriving safely at their destination… or not.
High winds
Wind storms can knock down tree branches or disrupt electrical supply. Most motor vehicles only experience minor issues related to high-speed winds. However, commercial trucks are particularly vulnerable to the effects of aggressive wind. Especially in cases where trailers are empty or carrying a lighter load, a semi-truck could be at risk of rolling over because of heavy winds.
Active precipitation
Professionals operating semi-trucks have to constantly monitor their surroundings for safety issues. Precipitation makes it significantly more difficult to visually identify safety hazards. Clouds reduce light levels and create darker road conditions that can affect visibility. The precipitation itself can also limit visibility on the road. The more intense the precipitation becomes, the more likely it is to affect a driver’s ability to monitor their surroundings and remaining control of a vehicle.
Wet pavement
Even after precipitation ends, crash risk may remain higher than usual. Wet pavement affects vehicle traction. Wet road surfaces can increase stopping distances and the likelihood of a driver losing control when they turn or merge. Those sharing the road with commercial trucks may need to be especially attentive during times of inclement weather or immediately after a storm.
Learning about weather conditions that may affect semi-truck crash risk can help people optimize their safety on the road. But, should a semi-truck crash occur, those affected may need help negotiating a complex insurance claim or exploring liability for future litigation, and that’s okay.