Extreme Caution Required for Truckers Driving in Winter Weather

Winter in New Jersey is no joke. From snowstorms and icy roads to sleet and nor’easters, the Garden State’s winter weather can create hazardous driving conditions for everyone on the road. For truck drivers, these conditions are especially dangerous. Commercial trucks’ sheer size and weight make them harder to control in bad weather, and the consequences can be devastating when accidents happen.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by winter weather, it’s important to know that the weather is never an excuse for negligence. Truck drivers and trucking companies are legally obligated to operate with “extreme caution” when hazardous conditions occur. 

Common Winter Hazards for TruckersWinter weather introduces a host of challenges for truck drivers, including:

• Icy Roads: Black ice and icy patches can cause trucks to lose traction, leading to jackknifing or rollovers.
  
• Reduced Visibility: Snow, sleet, and fog can make it difficult for truckers to see other vehicles, road signs, or obstacles.
  
• Longer Stopping Distances: Snow and ice increase the distance it takes for a truck to come to a complete stop, especially when carrying heavy loads.
  
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, snowbanks, and slush can make roads unpredictable and dangerous.
  

Despite these challenges, truck drivers must adjust their driving to ensure safety. When they fail to do so, accidents happen—and innocent people pay the price.

Essential Winter Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

To prevent accidents, truck drivers must take extra precautions during winter weather. Here are some actionable steps they should follow:

• Reduce Speed: The New Jersey CDL Manual, which aligns with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) guidelines, advises truckers to reduce their speed by one-third on wet roads, by half on packed snow, and to crawl on icy roads. Driving at excessive speeds in winter conditions is a recipe for disaster.
  
• Increase Following Distance: Trucks need more time to stop in slippery conditions. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles can help prevent rear-end collisions.
  
• Perform Pre-Trip Inspections: Before hitting the road, truckers should check their brakes, tires, windshield wipers, and defrosters to ensure everything is in working order.
  
• Avoid Distractions: Winter driving requires full attention. Truckers should avoid using phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving.
  
• Know When to Stop: If conditions become too dangerous, truckers should pull over and wait until it’s safe to continue. Pushing through severe weather puts everyone at risk.

Legal Obligations and Responsibilities

Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), truck drivers must exercise “extreme caution” when driving in hazardous conditions. While the FMCSRs don’t define ” extreme caution, ” the New Jersey CDL Manual provides clear guidance. For example, §2.6.2 of the manual states that truckers must adjust their speed and driving behavior based on road conditions.

In addition to federal regulations, New Jersey has laws that apply to truck accidents. For instance, the New Jersey Statute of Limitations gives injured parties two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.

Trucking companies are also responsible for ensuring their drivers are adequately trained and equipped to handle winter weather. This includes providing adequate training, maintaining their vehicles, and enforcing safety policies. When companies cut corners or pressure drivers to meet tight deadlines, they put everyone on the road at risk.

Notable New Jersey Cases Involving Winter Weather Truck Accidents

New Jersey has seen its share of tragic truck accidents caused by winter weather. One notable case involved a truck driver who failed to reduce his speed on an icy highway, causing a multi-vehicle pileup. The court ruled that the driver and his company were negligent for not adjusting to the weather conditions, and the victims were awarded significant compensation.

In another case, a trucking company was held liable for failing to properly maintain its vehicle’s brakes, contributing to a snowy road crash. These cases highlight the importance of holding negligent parties accountable, even when weather conditions are a factor.

Involved in a Winter Weather Truck Accident? Get a Free Consultation Now!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident during winter weather, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Rosengard Law Group, we have the experience and knowledge to take on the trucking industry and fight for your deserved compensation. We understand New Jersey’s laws and regulations and the challenges of winter driving, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Don’t let the trucking company’s defense team blame the weather for their negligence. Contact us today at (856) 284-6446 for a free consultation.