Winter is almost here. If you have driven through Pennsylvania during the colder months, you know how quickly the roads can change. One moment, everything feels fine; the next, you are trying to navigate slick, foggy, or rain-soaked highways. For truck drivers and anyone sharing the road with them, these conditions can turn dangerous in a heartbeat.
Many times, these conditions lead to serious truck crashes on the road. Poor weather does not just make driving uncomfortable; this is a major factor in many truck accidents.
When you know how poor weather contributes to truck accidents in Pennsylvania, you can better make sense of what happened, especially if you are considering your options for recovering from injuries or damages.
What Weather Conditions Are the Biggest Threat?
Snow, ice, and heavy rain all make Pennsylvania roads slippery and unpredictable. Trucks are large and carry heavy loads. That makes them even more vulnerable. They require more distance to stop, and a small miscalculation in braking or steering can lead to serious accidents.
If you have been involved in a collision on slick roads, it can be frustrating to think that the crash was caused by poor road conditions. But weather alone does not always absolve responsibility. Several factors, including the vehicle’s speed, whether it was maintaining a safe following distance, and whether the brakes and tires were properly maintained, can all contribute to determining liability.
Reduced Visibility Blinds You to Danger
Fog, heavy rain, and snowstorms can drastically reduce visibility. Drivers may not see slowed or stopped traffic, debris, or other hazards until it is too late to react. Even with headlights on, judgment and reaction time are impaired. This makes collisions more likely.
Ice and Snow Falling From Vehicles
Another danger people often overlook is ice or snow that accumulates on trucks and dislodges while driving. Large chunks of ice can fly off trailers or roofs. This can damage vehicles or cause injury. Pennsylvania law requires drivers to remove ice and snow from vehicles within 24 hours of a storm, but not everyone follows this rule.
If your car has been damaged or you have been injured by falling snow or ice from a truck, this could be considered negligence. That means the driver or trucking company could be held responsible.
Overloaded Trucks Are a Hidden Hazard
Trucks carrying loads heavier than allowed are harder to control, especially in poor weather. An overloaded truck has longer stopping distances and reduced maneuverability. These factors increase the risk of rear-end collisions or jackknifing. If you were involved in an accident with a truck, weight could be a factor in the severity of the crash.
Driver Fatigue and Vehicle Maintenance
Driving in winter conditions can be exhausting. Long hours on icy or slick roads, combined with fatigue, slow reaction times, and impaired judgment, are a recipe for disaster.
At the same time, poorly maintained trucks, such as those with worn tires, faulty brakes, or insufficient windshield wipers, can increase the likelihood of accidents. If you have been in a crash, these factors may be relevant in determining who is at fault.
Pennsylvania Roads Can Make Things Worse
Some roads, bridges, and overpasses in Pennsylvania are older. They are not designed to handle modern truck traffic, especially in severe weather.
Poor drainage, potholes, and inadequate signage all make traversing winter roads more challenging. For accident victims, this matters because road conditions can contribute to collisions and may be considered when determining liability. Sometimes, the city or municipality may be liable for poor maintenance of these roadways.
Winter is almost here, and this is a good reminder for everyone on Pennsylvania’s roads to take extra precautions.
While winter accidents may be attributed to the conditions, there could be underlying factors at play. The driver, the trucking company, or even the government might have some shared responsibility for these incidents.
For this reason, you will want to consult with an experienced lawyer to help with these truck crash claims. At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we are standing by to assist. Reach out to us to learn more about your options.
And remember, this winter, stay alert, drive safely, and seek legal assistance if you’ve been affected by a truck accident.