Most people don’t have the luxury of staying home when the weather is bad. Parents still have to take their children to school when it is raining. Employees have to get to work and back home again afterward regardless of the weather.
Professionals in the trucking industry also typically have to fulfill their job responsibilities regardless of current weather conditions. Of course, driving during times of inclement weather can create a variety of challenges that could lead to major collisions.
Road conditions change with the weather
Motorists generally understand that they have to adjust their driving based on weather conditions. People who are out during rainstorms need to not only make use of their windshield wipers but may also need to slow down and increase the space that they maintain between vehicles. Windy conditions and overcast days also require adjustments to daily driving habits.
Ideally, motorists, including semi-truck drivers, readily adapt their practices based on weather conditions. Unfortunately, commercial drivers do not necessarily have that luxury. They have to travel at high speeds and drive even during major storms.
When looking at semi-truck crash statistics, it’s clear that most collisions occur during normal weather. However, a significant percentage of crashes occur during rainy, snowy or even cloudy conditions. Each of these types of weather causes different challenges.
Rain or snow can affect driver surveillance during active precipitation. Wet pavement can affect how easily drivers maneuver their vehicles. It can be more difficult to stop or slow down when the pavement is wet. Windy conditions can be particularly hazardous for semi-trucks. They could potentially lose control of their vehicles because of how the wind pushes the large trailers that they haul.
Does the weather eliminate liability?
Many drivers involved in crashes during times of inclement weather want to blame traffic conditions for the crash. While the weather may have contributed, drivers have an obligation to modify their conduct to reflect road conditions. This is especially important for those operating large, dangerous semi-trucks.
With the pressure to get cargo in on time, semi-truck drivers may not feel like they can slow down when the weather isn’t ideal. The failure to adjust driving practices based on the weather can increase the likelihood of a serious, preventable wreck.
Drivers, and even their employers, may be liable in scenarios where commercial drivers continue driving like normal in challenging weather conditions. Discussing the circumstances of a recent semi-truck collision with a skilled legal team could help people determine if the truck driver or their employer may be liable for what happened. Weather does not absolve a motorist or their employer of responsibility for unsafe practices.