The last two weeks of December 2020 will bring snow, ice, and below-zero wind chills to our part of the country. Chicago saw snow and ice on roads and highways this week, and more winter weather is expected in Illinois for New Year’s Eve. Indianapolis had a snowy Christmas morning with temperatures so low that the National Weather Service was issuing warnings for wind chill values at six below zero with 20 mph wind gusts. See, “Indianapolis weather: Christmas Day brings below-zero wind chills to Central Indiana,” written by Justin Mack and published by the Indianapolis Star on December 25, 2020.
Winter weather has arrived in Indiana and Illinois. For all drivers, winter driving conditions increase the risk of a serious or deadly motor vehicle accident.
For commercial truck drivers, winter roads are especially hazardous. The risk of a fatal truck crash is much higher when truckers driving heavy rigs have to deal with winter weather road conditions.
Weather Impacts Drivers, Vehicles, and Roadways
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), weather has significant impact on road conditions and the likelihood of a deadly accident. Winter weather can bring things like:
- visibility impairments;
- precipitation;
- high winds; and
- temperature extremes.
Each of these road conditions can impact the ability of the driver to operate their vehicle. These weather conditions may also alter the vehicle’s performance in major ways such as tire traction; overall stability of the vehicle; or its maneuverability.
Additionally, winter weather can create hazards on the roads themselves. There can be changes in the pavement friction in icy conditions, for instance, as well as impacts on roadway infrastructure.
Weather Conditions and Accident Risks
According to FHWA, almost a quarter (21%) of the country’s motor vehicle accidents each year are weather-related crashes. These are accidents that happen (1) during adverse weather (i.e., rain, sleet, snow, fog, severe crosswinds, or blowing snow/sand/debris) or (2) on slick pavement (i.e., wet pavement, snowy/slushy pavement, or icy pavement).
In winter weather, the FHWA warns that accidents are most likely to occur during the following winter conditions:
- Snow or sleet (18%);
- Snowy or slushy pavement (16%); and
- Icy pavement (13%).
Driving during bad winter weather on Indiana or Illinois roadways will be very dangerous for all drivers regardless of the type of vehicle they are driving. However, the risk of a fatal weather-related crash caused by adverse weather or slick pavement is much higher for those who are operating large commercial vehicles (big rigs, semis, tractor trailers, 18-wheelers) and those sharing the roads with them.
Fatal Truck Crashes During Winter Weather Driving
Drivers in Illinois and Indiana are well aware of the dangers of driving in severe winter weather alongside fast-moving semi-trucks here in our “Crossroads of America.” For more, read “Winter Accidents with Semi-Trucks: Driving Dangers in Indiana and Illinois.”
Disturbing Trend in Number of Fatal Truck Crashes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) confirms there has been a 45% jump in fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses since 2009. Commercial truck drivers are facing great dangers of a severe or fatal accident while on the job.
When asked to operate a heavy commercial vehicle in winter road conditions, the risk of a serious or fatal accident increases. Special steps must be taken by the trucker to operate his or her rig safety on roads encumbered by snow, ice, sleet, or slush. The truck itself will need special preparations, as well.
Winter Weather High Risk Conditions for Commercial Trucks
In a recent article by senior meteorologist Nick Austin for Freight Waves magazine, professional commercial truck drivers discussed the challenges they face while driving in severe winter weather conditions. Read, “More Top Winter Weather Driving Tips for Truckers ,” written by Nick Austin and published by Freight Waves on October 20, 2020.
Freezing Rain
Truckers reported freezing rain to be the most challenging winter weather hazard they face on the job. Control is easily lost as the roads are wet and starting to freeze. A particular concern: invisible black ice forming on the roadway.
Blowing Snow
Another major hurdle for a commercial truck driver driving through a winter weather event is blowing snow, reported the truckers interviewed by Freight Waves. Truckers explained that in seconds, blowing snow can blind them and make it impossible for the truck driver to see anything. Another possible risk of losing visibility involves snow being blown onto a rig by a passing truck.
Mechanical Failures
Other recognized risks facing commercial truck drivers in a winter weather event include driving on slippery roadways without proper mechanical support. Trucks should be properly outfitted with products that help the trucker in winter conditions, and these products need to be reliable and well-maintained.
Heavy commercial trucks driving along snowy roads or icy routes need to maximize their traction as well as their braking abilities. Several different truck components can help the trucker to operate the rig during severe winter weather conditions.
- Tires on rigs being driven in severe winter weather conditions can fail if they do not have sufficient tread, causing a crash. Trucks moving through Indiana or Illinois in the winter months should have appropriate deep and broad tire tread on all tires.
- Big rigs and tractor trailers moving through winter weather should be outfitted with side chains and cross chains to help provide traction. These chains should be able to pierce the ice as they move, giving the truck driver confidence that the tire will grip the roadway and give him or her control of the rig. Lack of chains, or chain failures, can cause the truck driver to lose control of the truck and crash.
- Brake releasers allow the trucker to de-ice brake lines and solve the problem of frozen brakes. They can also pretreat the air brake lines with periodic sprays of de-icing solution, allowing the trucker to trust in working brakes as he or she drives through severe winter conditions. Truckers who hit the brakes only to suffer from brake failure are in extreme danger of jackknifes or other serious accidents during winter weather road conditions.
Justice After a Winter Weather Fatal Truck Crash in Indiana and Illinois
Truck drivers are vital contributors to our economy and way of life. They are to be respected and commended for working one of the most dangerous jobs in our country. These dedicated men and women risk their lives not only during the Coronavirus Pandemic but in the face of confirmed statistics warning of a rising trend in fatal truck crashes over the past decade.
When commercial vehicles like big rigs, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers rumble through Indiana and Illinois alongside 4-wheelers of every variety, the danger of a fatal truck crash always exists.
However, during our severe winter weather months that risk of a deadly truck accident is even higher. When a crash does happen, victims must look to the various causes of the incident and determine legal liability for its consequences.
Workers’ compensation laws, as well as personal injury, product liability, and negligence laws on the books of Indiana and Illinois may provide justice for these accident victims.
For more on fatal truck crashes, see:
- Truck Parking and Fatal Semi Truck Crashes
- Danger of More Fatal Truck Crashes Caused by New 2020 Hours-Of-Service Rules
- Truck Driver Drug Use in Indiana and Illinois: High Risk of a Fatal Truck Crash Caused by Impaired Trucker
- Coronavirus and Truck Drivers: Danger of Fatal Truck Crash with Changes to Hours of Service (HOS) Rules
- Inadequate Truck Driver Training and Fatal Truck Crashes in Indiana or Illinois
- Speeding and Serious or Fatal Semi-Truck Crashes in Illinois or Indiana.
Winter is upon us here in Indiana and Illinois. Driving conditions will be dangerous for us all. Please be careful out there!
