Why Trucking Accidents Are More Common During the Winter Months

Seeing a tractor-trailer overturned, in a ditch, or smashed into the median is always a frightening sight—but it’s more common in winter than in other seasons. Truck drivers face a long list of seasonal challenges that increase the truck accident rate across the United States. It’s important for other drivers to know and understand this trend, as it gives them a chance to protect themselves and reduce their chances of being hurt in a crash.

Learn more about why there are more trucking accidents in the winter months and what you can do if you’re injured. Looking for more personalized help after a collision? Call Nowell Law Firm at 864-469-2481 to set up a consultation with our team of Spartanburg truck accident lawyers.

Fewer Daylight Hours

In many parts of the country, weather is a major concern for truck drivers. In South Carolina, we don’t have to worry about that as much—but we’re not spared the effects of shorter days. Truck drivers struggle to see as clearly at night, which is particularly dangerous in areas where wildlife crossings are common. Additionally, truck drivers are at high risk of fatigue while driving. This is an even bigger problem in winter when the sun rises late and sets early. It leaves drivers in the dark for even longer stretches of time, leaving them fatigued.

Preparing for the Christmas Rush

Truck driving is always a mentally stressful job. Few industries have been so impacted by people retiring; fewer people are entering this industry than leaving it, putting many employers in a pinch. As a result, they have to get more work done with fewer drivers. Obviously, this is unsustainable—but it’s even worse at Christmas time. 

This is a time when consumers and manufacturers alike are in overdrive, ordering more and ramping up production. Drivers have more hauls, tighter deadlines, and less wiggle room for time off when the weather gets bad. More hours on the road mean a greater chance of fatigue. Drivers putting in long hours are also more likely to become distracted, make unsafe driving choices, and take unnecessary risks.

More Drivers on the Road

In some cases, it’s not about the truck drivers; it’s about who they’re sharing the road with. Traffic picks up significantly as we near the holiday season, and that means lots of people making interstate trips to visit family and friends. These drivers are under the same time crunch as truck drivers, which may push them to take unnecessary chances, drive recklessly, and speed. 

This is dangerous in any situation, but it’s especially risky when sharing the road with tractor-trailers. Tractor-trailers don’t have the ability to stop on a dime or make quick evasive maneuvers when someone causes a crash. When someone drives in a risky manner near them, they often have no way out and end up in a crash. It is crucial that personal drivers take extra caution when driving near tractor-trailers and give them plenty of space.

Tire Traction Concerns

Truck drivers making interstate hauls are often subject to icy and snowy roads as they drive through different states. Tractor-trailers already sustain substantial wear and tear because of the amount of time they spend on the road, but when you add slippery roads into the mix, their tires wear down even more quickly. 

Some truck drivers and employers don’t account for this when planning inspections and maintenance work, causing tire blowouts. Even when worn-down tires don’t suffer a blowout, they can still cause issues. When a driver attempts to stop, worn-down tires drastically increase their stopping distance. As you may expect, this leads to avoidable accidents that often leave victims with severe or fatal injuries.

As you navigate the roads this winter, keep an eye out for tractor-trailers and ensure that there’s enough distance between you and them for a safe stop.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Choose Nowell Law Firm

If you are unlucky enough to become involved in a truck accident this winter, it’s important to discuss your next steps with a lawyer. The team at Nowell Law Firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or give us a call at 864-469-2481 to set up a personal injury consultation today.