Alcohol or drugs both make truck accidents more likely to occur. When truck drivers engage in these behaviors during adverse weather conditions, it only increases the risks.
Impacts which are likely to affect drivers of tractor-trailers, 18 wheelers, and other big rigs include:
- Wet, slippery roads;
- Poor visibility due to fog and glare;
- Increased likelihood for traffic tie-ups;
- Road closures and lane restrictions.
While it is natural to think that heavy snowfalls and accumulations would be among the most significant dangers, the fact is that rain is more of a concern. It is estimated that close to 50 percent of weather-related crashes occur over rainy days and nights, while two-thirds of all accidents, in general, involved wet road conditions. With the amount of rain Utah experiences over the winter months, residents of our area need to be aware of the dangers.
How Harsh Weather Makes Truck Accidents More Likely
Truck accidents are the most potentially dangerous type of crash. The massive size and weight of most heavy trucks provide a level of protection for the driver. As a result, other motorists are generally involved who suffer the most significant impacts when truck accidents happen.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that more than 4,000 people are killed in truck accidents each year, while tens of thousands of others suffer serious injuries. Poor weather conditions are a leading factor in these crashes. Impacts truckers are likely to experience on wet, icy roads in Portland include:
- Poor tire traction;
- Decreased stopping ability;
- Increased blind spots on the road;
- Increased mechanical difficulties;
- Greater risks for rollover accidents.
In general, truckers need 20 to 40 feet more space to stop or respond to changes in traffic conditions than other motorists. In adverse weather, this discrepancy is even greater, making rear-end truck accidents more likely as well.
