Should Truckers Stay on the Road During Poor Weather Conditions?

Wyoming winters are not for the faint of heart. Our annual snowfall averages 178 inches. Locals are all familiar with what a harsh winter looks like, and they know how to take precautions such as stocking the pantry and staying off the roads when a bad snowstorm hits. However, some folks driving through the state might not have the luxury of staying off the roads, but should they? Should truckers stay on the road during poor weather conditions?

The U.S. Department of Transportation addressed this issue with its Surface Transportation Assistance Act. That law states that a truck driver has the right to refuse to operate a commercial vehicle: “If conditions become sufficiently dangerous, the operation of the commercial motor vehicle shall be discontinued and shall not be resumed until it’s safe to drive.”

A truck driver might feel pressure from the company that employs them to fulfill their delivery regardless of the weather conditions. However, that rule means they should not be at risk of losing their job. It also means that if a truck driver does drive in poor weather conditions and gets into an accident, it could be considered a negligent act, which can put that at fault for the accident.

A truck can reduce the risk of an accident due to driving in poor weather conditions by being proactive with the following weather-related driving tips:

Check the Weather in Advance

Millions of dollars are spent each year forecasting the weather. Several satellites are deployed in orbit, and monitoring stations are all across the country. Yet, even with all of that technology, weather patterns can still be unpredictable. Truck drivers need to check the weather in advance before any trip. A good place to start is with the National Weather Service, which provides an instant snapshot of current and emerging weather patterns.

Wind Safety

You might not always feel strong wind when driving in your SUV or sedan. However, the height of a semi-truck makes it more of a challenge for truck drivers to stay upright. It is essential for truck drivers to always know the weight of what they’re carrying. A heavy load might help in high winds. That means avoiding extreme windy conditions with a light or empty trailer.

Balancing the load in a full trailer is important to avoid the wind pushing it around. An experienced driver will know about their rig’s center of gravity and how strong winds will impact the ride. In these driving conditions, the truck driver must always have their hands on the steering wheel for maximum control.

Snow Safety

There are certain parts of the country at various times of the year where a truck driver will never experience snow. If they know their driving routes will take them through areas that get snow, truck drivers must have the necessary extra equipment, starting with tire chains. Additionally, they will need a flashlight, kneeling pad, waterproof gloves, and reflective vest to utilize when putting on the chains.

Additionally, at colder temperatures, diesel fuel can get slushy. It is recommended that truck drivers use anti-gel additives to their fuel to keep it from changing.

Rain Safety

Rain can cause dangerous driving conditions for every vehicle on the road. Hydroplaning happens when a truck drives through a slick patch of rain at high speeds. A truck driver can avoid hydroplaning by reducing speed and turning on headlights to increase visibility and braking distance.

Fog Safety

Fog often occurs in rainy conditions. Truckers must engage their fog lights and low-beam headlights, not the high beams, when they encounter foggy conditions. It is also vital to defrost the windshields and follow the car’s taillights ahead with proper braking distance.

Additional Truck Driving Safety Tips

The following are the other safety steps that truck drivers should comply with as part of their duty of care to other motorists.

Obey Traffic Laws and Truck Regulations

Truck drivers need to obey the same traffic laws as every other motorist, including speed limits, signaling for lane changes, and not tailgating. There are also regulations specific to truck drivers, such as the hours of service established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Failing to follow those regulations can lead to drowsy driving and be another factor in determining liability in a truck accident.

Maintain the Truck

Truck drivers are required to maintain their rigs. That includes going through an inspection checklist before any road trip. A maintenance failure on the road can lead to collisions, especially with brake failures. These inspection and maintenance failures will be part of the evidence in a truck accident investigation.

Holding Truck Drivers Accountable

Everyone should strive to be a responsible driver. Truck drivers take on extra responsibilities because of the type of vehicles they are in control of and the demands of the job. If you are ever involved in a trucking accident, it is important to talk to a skilled attorney to get information about the best way to compensate for any losses.