Many trucking accidents are caused by driver error, mechanical failure, and road design issues in Hollywood and other Florida cities. Surprisingly, though, winds can also cause trucks to veer out of control. Earlier in November, two semi-trucks in Jacksonville were toppled off a bridge by winds. In that case, the accident caused only minor injuries and no damage to the bridge itself. In other situations, the outcome is not so good.
Professional truck drivers are taught how to drive in high winds. In some cases, winds can reach speeds higher than a truck is traveling. In cases where strong winds exist, drivers can sometimes avoid collisions by slowing down and proceeding with caution. Drivers need to pay extra attention to high winds when traveling along roads without many trees and when traveling on bridges. On bridges, the force of winds can knock a truck into the water. On roads without trees, there is no wind barrier and the wind may be enough to push the truck into another lane. At the very least, high winds in these situations can make it harder for a driver to remain in control of the vehicle.
If winds are bad, drivers may need to turn on the truck’s flashers. Increasing stopping distance gives truck drivers enough time to react while keeping both hands on the wheel offers more control. If the truck is affected by winds and starts to move into another lane, a truck driver may be able to carefully steer the truck back on course. If winds are truly unsafe, a truck driver may need to delay a trip or may need to get to safety.
In some cases, high winds can turn into tornados. In these situations, a truck driver needs to get off the road and seek shelter immediately. A tornado has enough force to knock over a truck or even lift it off the ground. This type of natural disaster can lead to serious injury or even fatal injury for the truck driver.
Truck drivers are expected to stay alert of their surroundings so that they can take the needed steps to avoid traffic accidents in Hollywood or their cities. One part of this is reading road signs that may alert them to high winds and listening to weather reports to be aware of any winds or bad weather up ahead.
Winds can affect a truck differently depending on the cargo being transported. A big rig with a heavier cargo is harder to blow over than a high profile and empty tractor trailer. While overweight trucks in Hollywood and other cities cause of car collisions as well as structural damage to infrastructure, fully loaded trucks are safer in high winds situations than trucks that are empty – provided that the cargo is distributed correctly.
Wind and weather may part of life, but professional truck drivers are expected to take steps to ensure that weather does not contribute to an accident. In the case of high winds or other inclement weather conditions, truck drivers are expected to take the proper precautions to keep themselves and others on the roads safe. If you have been injured by a truck driver who was negligent in staying safe on the road, you may have a legal claim. To find out whether you have a claim, contact Flaxman Law Group today for a free, no obligation case review.