Truck Drivers – How They Are Affected by the Winter and Risks
December 27, 2022 | Accidents
Truck drivers spend hours behind the wheel of their trucks traversing miles of road in order to deliver products throughout the country. Their work and safety is greatly affected by road and environmental conditions. These in turn are impacted by weather conditions. Bad weather conditions can result in the occurrence of hazards on the road and the surrounding environment.
The Risks That Winter Presents for Truck Drivers
It is especially difficult for truck drivers to work during winter. The winter season presents various hazards for truck drivers. Some of the most common risks truck drivers are faced with while working during winter are presented below.
- Strong winds
Winter season is known for strong winds. Winds can get to speeds of up to 35 miles per hour during a winter blizzard. Strong and fast winds are particularly dangerous for truck drivers. This is largely due to the large size of the trailers. The trailer is not designed to be aerodynamic. This means that winds that blow against the trailer can cause the trailer to become unstable. This can result in a rollover accident or in the trailer jackknifing and causing accidents with other vehicles on the road. Strong winds also cause snow drifts and poor visibility for truck drivers. This can result in an accident.
- Heavy rain
Heavy rains are also part and parcel of winter weather. Heavy rainstorms can occur every once in a while during winter. The heavy rainfall not only results in poor visibility but also causes the surface of the road to become sleek. It is harder to control a truck and trailer while driving on a sleek surface. There is a high chance of hydroplaning and being involved in an accident. Heavy rainfall can also result in flooding which presents a risk of trucks being displaced by the strong current of the flood.
- Black ice
When temperatures drop very low in winter, truck drivers encounter black ice. This ice coats the surface of the road and is transparent. It therefore takes truck drivers by surprise. Black ice forms a sleek surface on the road. This makes it difficult for truck drivers to control their trucks especially when slowing down or coming to a stop. It can result in jack knifing, rollover accidents and other types of collisions. It is especially dangerous when truck drivers are driving at a high speed and encounter black ice on the road suddenly. They lose control of their trucks when they attempt to slow down or stop.
- Fog
It is not uncommon to encounter fog during the winter. Fog occurs as a result of warmer air passing over the cold ground. Thick fog results in low visibility. The truck driver may only be able to see to a distance of a few feet in front of the truck. Because of the fog, the blind spots around the truck are also greater. Truck drivers may not be able to see anything around the side of the truck. There is a great risk of being involved in an accident. Drivers must be extremely careful while driving under these conditions.
- Snow piles
During heavy snowfall, snow may pile up in the road as well as on the side of the road. Snow piled on the road and the sides of the road reduces visibility. Truck drivers may not be able to see around street corners for example or see smaller vehicles on the road. The snow can also form a sleek surface on the road.
Tips for Truck Drivers to Improve Safety While Driving in Winter
Driving during winter comes with many risks. However, there are various precautions that truck drivers can take to improve their safety while driving during bad weather.
- Be prepared for any situation
It is a good idea as a truck driver to always be prepared to tackle any situation you may encounter while on the road. You should ensure that you have the right equipment to help you deal with different situations. Consider equipping your truck with jumper cables, deicer or scrapers, a shovel, a bag of salt or sand, food, water, a warm blanket and ensure that you do not let your gas tank go lower than half full.
- Inspect and maintain trucks
Ensure that your truck has been inspected and is well maintained. Check fluid levels, tire pressure and integrity, wiper blade function, battery power, light function, brakes and exhaust pipe to ensure that your truck is in good condition before setting off.
- Keep track of weather conditions
Check to know what the weather conditions will be like before you set off. Check whether there will be storms or any other extreme weather. You should avoid driving in extremely bad weather.
- Drive carefully
Slow down and avoid hard braking or acceleration when driving in winter. Maintain a greater distance between your truck and other vehicles.
Winter presents especially dangerous conditions for truck drivers. If you have been involved in an accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact us to speak with an attorney.
Truck Drivers – Wnter Risks