Experienced Injury Lawyers Offering Safety Tips for Cold Weather Trucking
As personal injury lawyers serving Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa, the legal team at Hupy and Abraham, S.C. understands the unique challenges facing commercial truckers in winter conditions. With more than $1 billion recovered for injury victims and decades of experience representing professional drivers, we're committed to helping you stay safe on treacherous winter roads. If you suffer harm in a truck accident this winter, our lawyers are here to help.
How to Handle a Semi-Truck in Winter
Driving a truck in snow, sleet, and icy conditions requires different skills. Whether you’ve been hauling goods for years or this is your first time driving in winter, there are a few things you should remember:
Proper Braking Techniques
Maintaining control of your rig requires carefully timed braking on slick roads. Avoid sudden brake application, which can lead to jackknifing. Instead, brake early and gradually while keeping the tractor and trailer aligned.
Managing Speed and Following Distance
When conditions deteriorate, reduce your speed well below posted limits. Maintain at least a 10-second following distance from other vehicles to allow adequate stopping time.
Navigating Turns and Curves
Take turns at reduced speeds while keeping your hands at 10 and 2. Accelerate gradually when exiting curves to maintain traction.
Know When to Park Your Rig and Wait Out a Storm
There are plenty of rules and regulations about how to log and address hours of service during adverse conditions, but there are no rules that force a truck driver to pull over. Instead, you must use your judgment. If you cannot see clearly in front of you, pull over somewhere safe:
- Truck stops. Use apps to locate stops with available parking.
- Rest areas. Know which state facilities remain open during winter storms.
- Emergency lots. Many states maintain designated emergency parking areas.
- Wide shoulders. Only use as an absolute last resort, with proper lighting and triangles.
Never rely solely on your GPS or following other vehicles' taillights to see the road ahead.
Warning Signs That Demand Immediate Action
If you aren’t sure whether it’s time to park your semi-truck, here are a few warning signs that it’s too dangerous to drive:
- Black ice has formed on the road. When temperatures hover near freezing, and the roads appear wet but lack spray from other vehicles, what you’re seeing is black ice.
- You’re in whiteout conditions. You should pull over and park if you can't clearly see the next set of reflectors or mile markers along your route.
- The wind is gusting. When crosswinds exceed 25 mph, and snow or ice is present, your 18-wheeler can slide across the road.
- Multiple accidents have already occurred. If several vehicles are off the road within a short distance, it’s a sure sign that the roads are too treacherous to travel.
Always inform dispatch before deciding to shut down. Provide your exact location, current conditions, and estimated delay time. Stay in regular contact with updates about changing weather conditions and your status. Document all communication in case of delivery delays.
If your company pressures you to continue driving in unsafe conditions, remind them that federal regulations protect your right to park when you determine hazardous conditions. Prioritize your safety and the safety of others over delivery schedules.
Unique Challenges for Driving a Commercial Truck in Winter
Tractor-trailers are great for moving cargo but can be dangerous in poor weather. They have large blind spots even in the best conditions. Trailers can swing out if drivers are deadheading. Uneven or unsecured loads can cause a jackknife or rollover even when there’s no ice present. Other types of commercial trucks also face specific challenges:
- Flatbeds. Securing loads becomes more difficult in winter conditions. Ice can form under tarps and between cargo, potentially causing load shifts.
- Tankers. Liquid loads create additional stability concerns through sloshing and weight transfer, especially on slippery roads.
- Box trucks and vans. High profiles make these vehicles more susceptible to crosswinds and drifting snow.
How to Prepare Your Truck for Driving in Winter Weather
No trucker wants to break down while hauling cargo. The last thing you want is a breakdown in inclement weather. As injury lawyers in the Midwest, we know just how dangerous it is to be struck on the roads – especially in conditions that make it difficult to get help. That’s why we wrote up this checklist to help you prepare your truck for winter weather driving.
Pre-Trip Inspection Focus Areas
- Test battery strength and clean connections to ensure reliable starts in cold weather.
- Check fuel filters and lines for water contamination that could freeze.
- Inspect the brakes, including the condition of their air lines.
- Verify defrosters and cab heaters function at full capacity.
- Keep chains, flares, warm clothing, food, and communication devices readily available.
Mid-Trip Checkpoints
- Monitor tires for unusual wear patterns or damage during rest breaks.
- Check for ice accumulation on mirrors, wipers, and air lines.
- Watch for signs of fuel gelling in extreme cold.
- Verify load restraints remain tight and undamaged and that your cargo is secure.
Post-Trip Requirements
- Remove moisture from air tanks to prevent freezing.
- Check all fluid levels while the engine is warm.
- Document any new damage or maintenance needs.
- Park in a way that allows for easy morning startup.
Weekly Maintenance Items
- Test all lights and charging systems.
- Perform a thorough brake inspection, including on shoes and drums.
- Clean and lubricate the fifth wheel with winter-grade grease.
- Clean filters and verify the proper performance of your HVAC system.
Steps to take After a Winter Truck Accident
If you are in a winter truck accident, stay calm and assess your situation. We know that may be easier said than done, but a cool head can prevent additional harm. Put your hazard lights on and set up reflective triangles around your truck (if you can). Contact dispatch immediately with your exact location using mile markers or GPS coordinates. Do not attempt to exit the vehicle if conditions are hazardous.
If you are injured, call 911.
Working With Recovery Teams
Once help arrives, provide clear details about your truck's position and condition. Follow the recovery team's instructions precisely. Never allow unsafe recovery methods that could damage your vehicle or cargo.
Documenting the Crash
Take photos of the scene from multiple angles. Record weather conditions, road conditions, and visibility. Keep detailed notes about the incident timeline. Obtain contact information from responding officers or recovery personnel. Save all receipts related to recovery services and document their work with photos and notes.
Dealing With Insurance
Report the incident to your insurance provider promptly. Maintain copies of all documentation, including police reports and recovery invoices. Work with your company's applicable department to ensure proper filing procedures are followed.
How Hupy and Abraham, S.C.'s Team Helps Injured Truck Drivers
Hupy and Abraham, S.C. proudly represents injured truck drivers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and throughout the Midwest. Our track record speaks for itself. Some of our successes include:
- $240,000 for a truck driver who was rear-ended by a semi-truck, which injured his shoulder.
- $206,000 for a semi-truck driver who was hit head-on by another rig, which led to our client’s TBI.
- $130,000 (before trial at mediation) on behalf of a self-employed semi-truck driver who sustained a back injury requiring surgery.
