As winter blankets the roads with snow and ice, the driving challenges multiply, especially when large trucks are involved. The combination of winter weather and large trucks creates a dangerous situation characterized by slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, and the daunting task of safely maneuvering massive commercial big rigs.

Every year, the winter months see a noticeable rise in accidents involving large trucks, further highlighting the harsh realities of winter driving. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 25% of speeding-related large truck fatalities occur on icy, slushy, or snowy roads.

In such cases, it becomes crucial to seek the expertise of a seasoned truck accident lawyer in Montana who can navigate the complexities of liability and pursue rightful compensation for victims of these hazardous winter driving incidents.

Understanding the Hazards of Winter Weather & Truck Driving

Several factors contribute to making this combination particularly dangerous. While the slick roads of winter in Montana reduce traction for all vehicles, the impact on large trucks is even more pronounced due to their heavy loads and longer stopping distances. Visibility is another critical concern, as snowstorms and shorter daylight hours make it harder for truck drivers and others to see and react to road hazards. Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of winter weather, especially in Montana, North Dakota, and other northern states, can lead to sudden changes in driving conditions, catching truck drivers off guard and increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Slippery Roads

The winter season is notorious for its snow, ice, and sleet, which make driving challenging even for the most experienced drivers. For large trucks, the dangers are magnified due to their significant mass and the physics of maintaining control. When the rubber of tires meets icy surfaces, the friction that normally helps keep vehicles stable and within control drastically reduces. This lack of traction makes it difficult for all vehicles to steer, brake, and accelerate, but the impact is even more severe for large trucks. The momentum of a heavy, loaded truck on slippery roads can lead to skidding, jackknifing, and longer distances required to come to a complete stop, posing a danger not just to the truck driver but to all road users.

Reduced Visibility

Winter brings cold, shorter days and longer nights, heavy snowfall, fog, and significantly decreasing visibility. During snowstorms, the ability to see other vehicles, road signs, and the road itself can be severely impaired. For drivers of large trucks, who already contend with blind spots under normal conditions, reduced visibility makes navigating highways even more challenging. Early nightfall and fog contribute to these difficulties, making it hard for drivers to judge distances and react in time to avoid hazards. This reduced visibility necessitates extra caution and driving at significantly slower speeds, and sometimes pulling off the road all together.  However, unfortunately, money and time constraints that a company imposes may cause a trucker to drive needlessly in these dangerous conditions and stay off the roadway when the driver should pull off and wait for the conditions to improve.  Driving in these conditions can cause a crash that could have been prevented.

Amidst such hazardous conditions, the importance of having a truck accident attorney on standby cannot be overstated, as they possess the expertise to advocate for victims and navigate the legal intricacies surrounding these complex cases.

Unpredictable Conditions

One of the most challenging aspects of winter weather is its unpredictability. Conditions can shift rapidly, with clear roads one moment turning into icy, hazardous paths the next. Sudden snow squalls or freezing rain can catch drivers off guard, leaving little time to adjust to the new dangers. This unpredictability is especially dangerous for large trucks, which cannot maneuver as quickly or easily as smaller vehicles, and requires large trucks to take extra precautions to protect everyone on the roadway. The failure to adapt to sudden changes in weather increases the risk of serious injury and death from trucking accidents.

Sharing the Road Safely in Winter

Maintaining a safe following distance from large trucks is crucial, especially in winter. It’s important to allow yourself ample time to react to the unexpected, such as sudden stops or shifts in the truck’s trajectory due to slippery roads. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least a four-second gap between your vehicle and a large truck. You should increase this distance further in adverse weather conditions, giving you more time to respond to hazards and reducing the risk of collisions.

Large trucks have blind spots, making it vital for other drivers to stay visible to truck drivers. If you can’t see the truck’s side mirrors, the trucker likely can’t see you either. Position your vehicle where it can be seen and avoid lingering in these blind spots. When passing, do so quickly and safely to minimize the time spent in areas where the truck driver might not notice your presence. Ultimately, however, it is the truck driver’s responsibility to check their blind spots.

Contact Our Billings Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If a truck driver failed to check a blind spot or drove negligently in winter weather and caused an accident, you have the right to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Our Montana truck accident attorneys know how to fight large trucking companies and insurance companies and win. Let us handle the aspects of your legal case so you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life. 

To learn more about your legal options, you can fill out a contact form on our website, and we can contact you, or you can call us now at 406-442-7830 and get your immediate questions answered.