How Do Weather Conditions Affect Trucking Accidents?

Truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods across the country in all sorts of weather conditions. While professional truck drivers are trained to handle various weather scenarios, hazardous conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents. There were 415,444 large truck accidents in 2020, and around 500k every year. The number of injuries caused by truck accidents increased by 3.9% in 2022, hitting 161,000. While the causes of truck accidents vary, ranging from distracted driving to driving while fatigued, poor weather is a factor in many accidents.

Understanding how different weather events impact trucking can help drivers prepare accordingly and drive defensively.

Rain and Snow

Wet roadways are one of the biggest hazards for truck drivers. Rain reduces visibility, decreases traction, and increases stopping distances. Even a light drizzle can cause slick pavement that leads to hydroplaning or fishtailing. Heavy downpours are especially dangerous.

Snow-covered or icy roads also create extremely precarious driving environments. Trucks take longer to accelerate and stop on snowy surfaces. Slippery conditions increase the chance of skidding or jackknifing. Any frozen precipitation like freezing rain, sleet, or hail further exacerbates hazardous road conditions. Alaska receives the most snow, at 72.8 inches annually, but New Hampshire and Vermont are not far behind, with 59.9 inches and 58.4 inches respectively. 

When roads are wet or icy, truck drivers should reduce speeds, leave ample room between vehicles, avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and take extra care on turns or hills. Slowing down and being cautious in rain and snow is critical to avoiding accidents, but if you’re hit by a truck driving too fast for the conditions, call a truck accident lawyer immediately. They can always help you determine your next steps after a collision with a big motor vehicle.

High Winds

High wind gusts frequently contribute to truck crashes. Strong crosswinds can force trucks out of their lanes or even blow them over. This is particularly hazardous on bridges, open highways, or through mountain passes. The Plains is the worst area of the US for strong winds, with Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota the top three windiest states—there is an average wind speed of 21.3 MPH in South Dakota.

Light loads and empty trailers are especially at risk of being pushed or tipped by powerful winds.

Extreme winds also can cause debris like tree branches to fall onto roadways. Drivers should pay attention to weather alerts about potential gusty conditions and take preventative steps like pulling over or rerouting until winds die down. Driving below speed limits and keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel helps improve control in high winds.

Low Visibility

Any weather conditions that obstruct visibility make it harder for truck drivers to see potential road hazards and react in time. Heavy rain, snow, fog, smoke from wildfires, and dust storms all dramatically reduce visibility distance. This forces drivers to slow down and increase following distance.

Truckers should turn on their headlights, avoid distractions in the cab, and pay close attention to road signs when visibility is limited. Hazards are much harder to see in low visibility, so drivers need to be extra vigilant. Reduced speeds and increased focus are key to safely navigating low visibility conditions.

Being aware of upcoming weather forecasts allows truck drivers to proactively address any potential hazards through route planning, load checks, equipment inspections, and safe driving practices. While professional truckers are trained to adapt to diverse weather scenarios, hazardous conditions substantially increase accident risks. Taking preventative measures and exercising additional caution during inclement weather is crucial for trucking safety.