Adverse weather conditions may make driving more dangerous for any driver on the road, especially drivers of large semi-trucks. The weather may not only affect how a truck handles, brakes, or steers, but it may also affect the mindset of a truck driver. If a driver is either overly stressed or under concerned about weather conditions, his performance and ability to control the vehicle may be compromised. Every truck driver should be trained on how to handle any weather condition, and should always be prepared for anything. If you have been injured in a trucking accident in adverse weather conditions, an experienced accident attorney in Coweta County can help you hold the truck company and/or driver accountable.
Because trucks often travel hundreds of miles across multiple states and all different types of terrain, drivers may encounter several different types of weather in one trip alone. Therefore, drivers should always have equipment for any weather situation. Such equipment can include:
- Tire chains
- Extra windshield wipers and fluid
- De-icing chemicals
- Working fog lights
- Blankets, extra food, and water (in case a driver must pull over for an extended time)
The above equipment is generally for snow, rain, ice, or fog. However, other weather conditions that may not necessarily affect or worry an average driver may be a problem for truck drivers. For example, extreme heat may make tire blowouts more likely, which can cause serious accidents such as rollovers. Additionally, high winds can cause a trailer to begin to sway. Once a heavy trailer starts to sway, it is often difficult for a driver to get the truck under control, and resulting accidents can affect multiple vehicles on the road. Finally, driving for many hours under any adverse weather conditions can be extraordinarily stressful, and that stress can lead to driver fatigue. Driver fatigue is the single most common reason behind large truck accidents.
If you are in a truck accident at the fault of the driver, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. Call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656, and one of our excellent Coweta County truck accident lawyers can help you with your case.