The Impact Of Weather And Road Conditions On Trucking Accidents

According to the Department of Transportation, over 20% of all traffic accidents in the United States are directly caused by hazardous weather conditions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also states that rain, wind, sleet, and hail cause hundreds of fatal trucking accidents each year. Victims who have been harmed by these kinds of trucking accidents may wonder how adverse weather or road conditions will affect their ability to pursue compensation. Can a victim hold a trucking company accountable for something it had no control over, such as a storm? Is a trucker legally required to drive more cautiously in adverse conditions? An experienced truck accident lawyer in Louisiana may be able to help victims answer these questions during a consultation. Consider calling Louisiana Law Lady at (504) 470-3511 to continue this discussion in more detail. 

Truckers Must Slow Down When Facing Poor Road Conditions

Although it is easy to dismiss adverse weather as an “act of God,” truckers still have control over their actions when facing poor road conditions. Like all drivers, they should exercise more caution in rainy, foggy, or windy conditions. This usually involves slowing down, and it may be necessary to drive slower than the posted speed limit. In adverse conditions, it is possible to face a speeding ticket for driving at the posted speed limit – as long as a law enforcement officer believes that the driver is endangering others. 

These requirements are even more important for truckers due to the destructive potential of their vehicles. Poor visibility is particularly problematic for truck drivers because of the braking distances of semi-trucks. A useful metric is the “60-0” test, which assesses how long it takes for a vehicle traveling at 60 miles per hour to come to a complete stop. While a modern sports car can accomplish this in less than 100 feet, the average semi-truck may take 500 feet to come to a complete stop. Braking distances for semi-trucks also depend on the weight of their cargo and road conditions (especially wet road surfaces).  Surprisingly, a fully loaded truck and trailer can stop faster than a truck with an empty trailer, as the weight enables the brakes to engage more and the trailer has more traction.  With poor visibility caused by adverse weather, truckers may spot potential hazards far too late to avoid them. This highlights the need to slow down. 

Extreme Fog Is Common in Louisiana

Although Louisiana experiences various forms of adverse weather, extreme fog represents a particularly notable challenge. Over the years, some of the deadliest traffic accidents in the state have occurred during these foggy conditions. Some describe this as “superfog,” and it has a tendency to settle like a blanket across highways like I-10 and I-55. Because extreme fog is so common in Louisiana, it would not be practical to shut down major highways each time it occurs. However, some have criticized state authorities for allowing semi-trucks to speed through these foggy highways without any semblance of caution. 

Truckers must exercise caution when operating in dense fog. Basic steps can save lives, such as using low-beam lights and reducing speeds. Truckers should also increase their following distances in foggy conditions, as potential hazards can suddenly emerge from the fog without warning. 

Wind Can Topple Semi-Trucks in Louisiana

Crosswinds represent another notable hazard for semi-trucks in Louisiana. The Pelican State has experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes in United States history, but even relatively tame winds can cause semi-trucks to crash. During Hurricane Katrina, wind speeds reached 140 miles per hour in Louisiana – but wind speeds as low as 40 miles per hour can overturn semi-trucks. A study by the International Journal of Transportation Science and Technology found that compared to 20-mph crosswinds, 40-mph crosswinds are 76% more likely to overturn semi-trucks. 

Although it might seem impossible for relatively light winds to knock over a heavy semi-truck filled with cargo, these types of accidents occur all the time. A semi-trailer is effectively a giant sail that can capture wind energy – particularly when these winds hit the vehicle from the side. These accidents can be catastrophic, especially when semi-trucks overturn onto smaller vehicles. Although smaller vehicles may be much lighter than semi-trucks, they are often more resistant to high winds. This is especially true for vehicles with low centers of gravity and low ground clearance. 

Can I Hold a Trucker Liable for Bad Driving in Adverse Weather?

Victims may be able to hold truckers and their employers accountable for causing crashes in adverse weather conditions. During extreme weather events, Department of Transportation rules state that a trucker must pull over and wait for road conditions to improve. If a trucker fails to do this, their decision to continue driving may constitute negligence – and they may become liable for any subsequent accidents or injuries. Note that the Department of Transportation also states that a trucking company cannot retaliate against a trucker who decides to stop due to adverse weather. In other words, the trucker can always stop without fear of being fired.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often put considerable pressure on their truckers to continue driving at all costs. A few hours could represent significant losses to these companies, which often prioritize profit margins over public safety. This is why injured victims tend to sue both the trucker and the trucking company after an accident in adverse weather conditions. A victim who plans to file a truck accident lawsuit of this nature might need to collect evidence proving the trucker became aware of the poor road conditions – but continued driving anyway. The Louisiana Law Lady may be able to help victims collect this important evidence. 

Learn More About Trucking Accidents With Louisiana Law Lady

Many victims of trucking accidents are unfamiliar with how this industry works. Department of Transportation regulations can be complex, especially in regard to safe driving in adverse weather. Victims may struggle to determine whether a trucker failed to exercise caution when faced with poor road conditions, and proving negligence could require compelling evidence. Trucking companies and their insurers often attempt to argue that they have no control over the weather, and that they should not be held accountable for subsequent accidents. These challenges may be easier to overcome with assistance from an experienced truck accident lawyer in Louisiana. Consider calling Louisiana Law Lady at (504) 470-3511 to assess the next potential steps.