Tough Driving Conditions Truck Drivers Need To Overcome

The winter months bring less daylight, colder weather, more rain, fog, and wind—making driving tough. As a result of these winter weather conditions, many truck and car accidents occur. This is why it is important that truck drivers know how to deal with these hazards and prioritize keeping themselves and others on the road safe. When they don’t, serious collisions can occur. A Sunrise truck accident lawyer can help investigate whether poor weather combined with negligent driving played a role in your crash and assist in pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.

Not only do truck drivers need to prepare for winter driving, but all motorists should do their part to drive safely in winter storms and inclement weather conditions. Here are some tips to help everyone stay safe this season: Accidents from winter weather conditions often occur when visibility is low or roads are slick with ice or rain. Slowing down, increasing following distance, and using headlights during overcast days can help reduce the chance of collisions in poor weather.

• Conduct a pre-trip inspection, which includes inspecting your headlights, brake lights, tires, fluid levels, and wiper blades.
• Prepare for an emergency by including a first aid kit and emergency kit in your vehicles. This kit should include flares or reflective triangles.
• Slow down when driving during the winter months. Don’t be in a hurry, as it can increase your risk of being in a crash.
• Leave plenty of space when following other vehicles, as winter weather can increase your crash risk.
• Keep your eyes on the road. Inclement weather can affect your vision, which is why you shouldn’t make it worse with the use of a cell phone.
• Don’t drive distracted or participate in texting while driving.
• Check your mirrors before changing lanes.
• Always wear your seat belt.

These points are safety tips that all motorists can adopt. However, truckers particularly need to make sure they adopt these tips—especially slowing down and not being in a hurry to deliver a load. While truck drivers get paid on their deliveries, they need to remember that many winter accidents occur because drivers are traveling too fast for conditions. Just as icy roads increase the risk of crashes, they also raise the likelihood of injuries when stepping out of the truck. Avoiding slip and fall accidents in the winter means using extra caution when exiting the cab, wearing proper footwear, and watching for black ice in parking lots or loading areas.

It takes longer for a truck to come to a stop—especially in the winter—which is why truck drivers need to leave double or triple the normal following distance. By slowing down and allowing more room when following another vehicle, many winter truck accidents in Florida could be reduced and lives can be saved.

While you may have heard these safety tips many times before, a reminder can’t hurt—especially when it comes to safety. You owe it to yourself and those you share the road with to be as safe as possible. In fact, the Law Offices of David Benenfeld encourages you to share this article on Facebook with those you know—particularly those in the trucking industry.

If  you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident contact the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld P.A to schedule a free consultation.