February 4, 2025 | Accidents

Soft, white and feathery, there are few things in life as awe inspiring as a snow covered landscape. However, beneath that beautiful pillow of snow lies many dangers. As if driving an 18-wheeler isn’t tough enough, winter’s weather conditions present even more challenges for truck drivers as well as other road users. At High & Younes Attorneys, LLC, we’ve witnessed the devastating impact of winter semi-truck accidents through the years. Below, we explore the many dangers posed by snowy and icy road conditions.

The Challenge of Driving a Semi-Truck in Winter

• Reduced traction

Icy and wet roads can be especially difficult to navigate when driving a large vehicle. Regaining control of a semi-truck when it skids is difficult due to its tremendous weight and size. Even with advanced braking and specialized tires, trucks will more than often slide uncontrollably over slippery road surfaces.

• Longer stopping distances

Large trucks require longer (20 to 40%) stopping distances than smaller passenger vehicles under normal conditions. When snow and ice are present, the stopping distance increases exponentially. It is even worse when a truck has to come to a sudden stop over back ice. Trucks may not come to a halt in time or may even slide uncontrollably resulting in an accident.

• Strong high winds

Iowa is known for its high winds. This is largely due to its flat open landscapes. High winds are even stronger in winter. Semi-trucks are more unstable than smaller vehicles due to their higher center of gravity. This instability is increased in the presence of high winds. This increases the risk of rollover accidents during winter.

• Limited visibility

Winter comes with more hours of darkness. Weather conditions such as snow storms and rainfall also impair drivers’ visibility. Limited visibility as well as larger blind spots increase the risks of semi-truck accidents in winter. Semi-truck drivers may struggle to see smaller vehicles or other vehicles stopping suddenly.

The Dangers of Sharing Roads with Semi-Trucks

Drivers of passenger vehicles are often at greater risk of being involved in accidents with semi-trucks in the winter. Here’s why.

• Underestimating stopping distances

Many passenger vehicle drivers don’t realize that 18-wheeler trucks require even greater distances to stop when on slippery icy roads. Many put themselves at risk of accidents by cutting in front of trucks or following too closely. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions that can have devastating consequences.

• Blind spots and increased risk due to poor visibility

Semi-trucks have significantly larger blind spots than smaller passenger vehicles. Many passenger vehicle drivers are not aware of where these blind spots are or just how significantly large they are. During winter, visibility is further impaired by darkness, fog and frost. Passenger vehicle drivers that linger in blind spots increase their risk of being sideswiped or squeezed off the road if the truck changes lanes.

• Road spray

Wet and icy conditions present a major problem for drivers of smaller vehicles driving near semi-trucks. Slush, mud and water sprays from the tires of these large vehicles can interfere with visibility.  Abrupt spraying of one’s windscreen can also result in a loss of control. It is important for passenger vehicle drivers to keep even greater distance from larger trucks while driving during the winter.

Staying Safe when Driving in Winter

• Adjust your speed for the conditions

Meeting a deadline isn’t worth your life or that of anyone else’s. Truck drivers and other road users should avoid driving at high speeds during winter. It is even more important to adjust your speed lower when faced with poor road conditions or avoid using icy roads completely when possible.

• Ensure proper loading

It is always important to ensure proper loading and securing of cargo on semi-trucks. It is even more important during winter in order to reduce the risk of rollovers. Avoid overloading and ensure loads are distributed safely.

• Keep your distance

It is important for both semi-truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers to maintain a good distance when driving in winter. A safe distance will provide vehicles with adequate time and room to come to a stop and therefore help to avoid the risk of an accident. Drivers in passenger vehicles should also do their best to stay visible by staying out of truck blind spots. As a rule of thumb, if you can’t see your vehicle in the truck driver’s side mirrors then the driver likely can’t see you.

Final Thoughts

Semi-truck accidents, whether they occur in the winter or other seasons of the year, often have catastrophic consequences. Navigating the aftermath of these accidents can be overwhelming. It helps to have the guidance and representation of an experienced semi-truck accident attorney. At High & Younes Attorneys, LLC, we’re committed to fighting on behalf of accident victims. We’ll fight to recover just compensation and ensure justice is served. Contact us today to schedule free consultation.

Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Iowa