Semi Safety a Must on Winter Roads

by James Lewis

JIm is a Virginia injury attorney who handles car accidents, medical malpractice, FELA, wrongful death, etc.

12/23/2009
James Lewis
Comments (0)

Semi Safety a Must on Winter Roads

While I was thinking back to last weekend's winter storm throughout the Mid-Atlantic and ahead to the forecasts of more rain, snow, ice and wind for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, my colleague John C. pointed me to this news report from West Virginia (WV).

The main east-west interstate through West Virginia was closed for much of Saturday, Dec. 19, because numerous tractor-trailers had jackknifed on slick ice- and snow-covered pavement. My colleagues have already blogged on safe winter driving for people in cars this year, but the importance of safe semi operations also require attention. As this video shows, a 45-ton 18-wheeler can run out of control in a mere second.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which regulates the commercial trucking industry, offers the following tips for tractor-trailers drivers who must move their rigs through rain and sleet and dark of night:

Reduced traction conditions

Increase following distance enough to avoid a rear-end collision if other driver brakes hard.
Use moderation in judging safe speed. To maintain a safe stopping distance, slow down, but not so much that you become a hazard to drivers behind.
Apply brakes gently and steer without jerky movements.
Beware when running empty or bobtailing. Lightly loaded wheels lock up easily during braking and this induces jackknifing.
Beware of travelling too slowly on slick, banked curves. The vehicle might slide sideways into opposing traffic or off the road.

Reduced visibility conditions

Use moderation in judging safe speed. To maintain a safe stopping distance during reduced visibility, slow down, but not so much that you become a hazard to drivers behind.
Keep vehicle clean, especially headlights, windshield, tail lights. Use emergency flashers in extreme conditions.
Be prepared to get off road and wait for conditions to improve if necessary.

EJL

Category: Crashes Caused by Trucks

Labels: 18-wheeler Accidents black ice Christmas driver safety tips Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration injury lawyer jackknifed Jim Lewis read-end collision semis tractor-trailer truck West Virginia

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling truck wreck cases. Check out our truck accident case results and our free consumer guide on what to do if you get involved in an accident with a commercial truck.

We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Newport News, VA, if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and included among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Jim and Rick have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of practicing lawyers receive this honor.

In addition, our VA injury law firm was the first in the commonwealth to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms, and we have the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization. The rating indicates we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer a free initial confidential consultations. Call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a message so we can get back to you.

There are no comments.

Search Our Site

Get help Now!

Practice Areas

Semi Safety a Must on Winter Roads

Post a comment