Bad Weather, Hydroplaning, and Trucking Accidents

By Car Accident Help on February 10, 2017 | Posted in: Truck Collision

Wet Weather & Driving Conditions

Even for passenger vehicles, wet weather poses risks. Impaired visibility, decreased traction, and hydroplaning can occur on any car no matter how small. However, on a large commercial truck, what might have been a serious injury can become a devastating one due to their size and weight.

Truck drivers, the trucking companies that hire them, the shippers that hire them, manufacturers, and repair shops that maintain the trucks all are required to play a role in keeping the trucks safe on the road. Only the drivers are left to deal with the conditions in wet weather. What can and should truck drivers do in the rain?

• Slow down. In the best of circumstances, on dry land, it takes longer for a truck to come to a safe stop because of its sheer size. The slower the driver goes, the more likely he or she will be able to stop in time to avoid an accident.
• Check the machinery. Especially for truck drivers, ensuring the condition of the brakes, tires, windshield wipers, headlights and brake lights, as well as all turn signals is a smart step.
• Keep control. While it may be tempting to use cruise control to make long trips easier, the truth is that cruise control will not allow you the important “feel” of the road beneath your wheels.

Hydroplaning & Trucks

Imagine your tires riding above the road on a layer of water. This is, essentially, what happens in hydroplaning. You no longer have control of your vehicle because it is not in contact with the pavement and the tire tread is simply spinning on the water.

With a passenger vehicle, this is dangerous. With a truck, this can easily become a deadly situation because without control over the vehicle, braking and steering are not accessible. Therefore, it is imperative that truckers heed the call to slow down and sometimes even wait out the storm.

Recovering Damages in Truck Accidents

If you or someone you care about suffered injuries in a truck accident, due to bad weather or otherwise, you may be facing not only significant physical damage but tremendous financial expenses as well. Car Accident Help sponsored by Maples, Nix, and Diesselhorst may be able to advise and counsel Oklahoma truck accident victims on their legal rights and remedies available. Contact Car Accident Help at (405) 285-4357.