Winter brings slippery and icy road conditions, and with those come an increase in accidents. Trucks are common on Washington roads, and accidents involving large trucks often result in serious injuries.
Ideally, truckers would stay off the road during dangerous winter weather; however, that is not usually the case. Truckers have deadlines to meet, and this often means they continue to drive when they should not be to meet these deadlines.
Safety precautions truckers should be taking
There are many things that truckers should do to stay safe on winter roads. They should keep enough distance between their truck and other vehicles on the road, especially other trucks.
This can be difficult, particularly because being able to see the taillights of the vehicle in front of you can make drivers feel safer while driving in low visibility conditions. Unfortunately, this typically means they are driving too closely behind the other vehicle.
Truckers should know their vehicles and know what they can handle. They should not be on the road in winter weather if they know their truck is not properly equipped to handle the conditions.
Speeding contributes to many trucking accidents
All drivers, including truckers, should reduce speed in winter weather. Even driving the posted speed limit can be dangerous, depending on the specific road conditions.
If conditions get too extreme, truckers should pull off somewhere to park until conditions improve.
Truckers who are not doing these things are driving negligently, and this type of driving can cause a major accident.
You have options after a truck accident
Victims of truck accidents often sustain more severe personal injuries than accidents involving smaller vehicles. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones or injuries causing permanent disability or disfigurement are common truck accident injuries.
Compensation for these and other damages can potentially be recovered by truck accident victims. Personal injury attorneys know the law and provide advice on proving negligence.