How Black Ice and Weather Affect Commercial Trucks

In 2022, there were 503,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks nationally. Severe weather conditions contribute to many trucking accidents each year. Truck drivers are in a unique position. They take up a large portion of the road, but must watch all the vehicles around them to avoid major accidents.

This is especially true in adverse weather conditions. Other drivers stopping abruptly, sliding into the incorrect lane, or slowing suddenly can create dangerous situations for truck drivers. Continue reading to learn how black ice and weather affect commercial trucks in Virginia.

Types of weather concerns

Any weather outside of normal sunny conditions can create treacherous roadways. Some of the most common weather scenarios that cause driver issues include:

Black ice

Black ice is a thin, hard-to-see layer of ice that can make roads extremely slippery and dangerous. Black ice is especially dangerous in the winter months. A large truck can lose control on black ice quickly due to the size of the trailer.

Fog

Fog can cause issues with driver visibility. This means drivers may not see obstacles, other vehicles, or signs.

Heavy rain

Heavy rain can cause slick and obscured roads for drivers. Wet roads make it harder for tires to stick to roadways. It can also cause extreme visibility issues for truckers.

High winds

High winds can cause trouble for the trucking industry. These weather conditions can cause rollovers or jackknifing due to destabilization.

Extreme cold

Extreme temperatures can cause engine or other system issues. This type of weather can also contribute to other dangerous roadway conditions for truck drivers.

Snow

Snow accumulation on roads creates slick driving conditions. Snow on roads can also cause visibility issues with lane lines, turnoffs, and other road signs. People who don’t know how to drive in snowy conditions may put truck drivers at higher risk for accidents.

Common trucking accidents

Adverse weather conditions plus a large truck can create challenging situations. The most common types of accidents our clients have experienced are listed below:

Blowouts

A tire blowout is a dangerous situation on a good day. When severe weather is added to the mix, the situation can become deadly. A blowout can send tire debris into the roadway, which may harm or endanger other drivers. It may also cause the driver to lose control of the truck.

Underrides

When a passenger vehicle slides under a semi-truck, it is called an underride accident. These types of accidents are extremely dangerous and often fatal.

Rollovers

Black ice and severe weather conditions may cause a rollover accident. Losing control of a truck in this type of weather could quickly become a situation the driver can’t stop.

Jackknifes

Black ice and snow are perfect conditions for jackknifing. A jackknifed trailer can cause harm to many people on the road.

Injuries suffered from trucking accidents

Truck accidents can cause injuries ranging from mild to fatal. Some of the most common types of injuries from these accidents include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a type of injury that happens after the force of impact jostles the body around. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries people suffer after any type of vehicle crash, including trucking.

Broken bones

Broken bones are a common injury after a truck accident. Broken bones range from clean breaks that need time to heal to more intense injuries requiring surgery.

Back injuries

The force of an accident may cause back injuries for some people. These may range from strains to spinal cord injuries.

Traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) happen when a force hits the head. This is a common injury after a trucking accident. The impact of a crash may lead to TBI symptoms, such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Personality or behavioral changes
• Balance or vision issues
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Fatigue

It’s important to be checked out by a medical professional after an accident as some symptoms don’t show up immediately.

Burns

Burns are another common injury sustained after a truck accident. This type of injury can be mild or very severe. It may also require extensive medical care. Injuries vary based on the specific accident conditions.

How companies should minimize safety concerns

Companies can take proactive measures to prevent safety concerns related to dangerous weather. These may include:

Fleet maintenance

Proper fleet maintenance is a critical component of driver safety on the road. This includes engine, tire, and brake maintenance. Companies may also take other measures, like traction control or weather-resistant materials, to further protect drivers.

Comprehensive training

Effective training can prepare drivers for adverse weather conditions. Training should include how to navigate these conditions and proper braking techniques.

Weather monitoring

Companies should be reviewing weather conditions before sending drivers out. Routes can be delayed or changed to protect drivers.

What to do after a truck accident

Don’t panic if there has been a trucking accident. First and foremost, it’s critical to ensure the health and safety of the injured parties. We recommend taking the following steps:

File reports

After a trucking accident, the driver should report the incident to local authorities and leadership. Police and accident reports may offer more helpful information for your attorney. These reports are also important for workers’ compensation and other insurance claims.

Seek medical care

Following a truck accident, the injured party should be evaluated by a medical professional. They should complete all required diagnostic testing and follow treatment plans.

Maintain detailed documentation

It’s essential to maintain detailed documentation following an accident. If possible, taking pictures of the scene and visible injuries is recommended. It’s also important to maintain medical documentation and any other communications regarding the accident.

Contact a truck accident attorney

Truck accidents caused by another’s negligence may be eligible for additional damages. After an accident, if there is uncertainty about how to navigate the process or what legal options are available, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help. We recommend you reach out to an attorney to learn more.

Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers offer free case evaluations

The team at Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers has the knowledge clients need to navigate trucking accidents. If you suffered injuries after a trucking accident due to the weather, we encourage you to reach out to schedule a free case evaluation. Contact us today.