A semi-truck accident is one of the most severe situations that can happen while traveling on a freeway. These large vehicles can cause huge amounts of damage to property and claim lives when an accident occurs. Utah’s highways have already started to see their fair share of accidents and dangerous winter driving conditions this season. One section of the highway, in particular, has experienced an unusual amount of accidents during a stretch with snow, sleet, and ice. As KSL has reported, eight semi-trucks have crashed in a stretch near the Anderson Junction and Toquerville off-ramp of the I-15. To address this situation, Utah Highway Patrol has asked engineers to look at the road to assess why these accidents have been happening so frequently.
Dangers of snow and ice with 18-wheelers
Although there may be actions taken to help prevent future accidents, the bottom line is that people need to slow down. Truckers are no different than everyday drivers. They can make mistakes and often have difficulties driving under winter conditions. Just because the speed limit is 75 miles per hour does not mean that you have to drive that speed when the road is covered in snow and ice. Perhaps we saw the increase in semi-truck accidents near St. George because drivers do not expect icy roads like they would near Salt Lake City.
Some people may be surprised to find that they are at fault when a car accident happens during winter driving conditions. They may feel that it is unfair to hold them responsible when it is “impossible” to control their vehicles because of the ice on the road. In reality, most accidents, even in the ones in the snow, could have been avoided. It is up to every driver, those of passenger cars and semi-trucks, to drive at speeds that are safe for current weather conditions. Large semi-trucks will have difficulty stopping or making evasive maneuvers when it is difficult to do so. When you drive this winter, make sure to expect snow, ice, and even hard to see black ice. Give all vehicles a bubble around your car in case they lose control. If you or a loved one has been hit by a car or semi-truck because of snowy conditions, call the legal experts at Utah Personal Injury Attorneys by calling (801) 839-4411 today.
