Spring Brings Increased Trucking Hazards in NJ | Stay Safe on the Road

Spring in New Jersey is a time of renewal, but it also brings unique challenges for drivers sharing the road with large trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large truck accidents accounted for over 4,000 fatalities in 2020, with a significant spike during the spring and summer months. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the risks associated with spring trucking, provide safety tips for both truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers, and explain how New Jersey laws protect accident victims.

Weather-Related Hazards

Spring weather in New Jersey can be unpredictable. Rain, fog, and even occasional late-season snow can create dangerous driving conditions. Wet roads reduce traction, increasing the risk of skidding or hydroplaning, especially for large trucks that require more distance to stop. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), adverse weather conditions contribute to nearly 20% of all large truck crashes.

In New Jersey, truck drivers are required to adjust their driving behavior to match weather conditions. Failure to do so can be considered negligence under New Jersey’s comparative fault laws (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1). 

Road Condition Hazards

Winter weather often leaves New Jersey roads riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces. These road defects can be particularly hazardous for large trucks, which are more prone to tire blowouts or losing control when hitting potholes. 

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) works to repair roads in the spring, but construction zones can create additional risks, such as lane closures and sudden stops.

If you’re injured in an accident caused by poor road conditions, you may have a claim against the municipality responsible for maintaining the road. However, New Jersey’s Tort Claims Act (N.J.S.A. 59:1-1) requires you to file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident, so it’s crucial to act quickly.

Increased Traffic Volume

Spring marks the beginning of the travel season in New Jersey. Families head to the Shore; tourists visit popular destinations like Cape May or Atlantic City, and outdoor enthusiasts hit the roads for camping and hiking trips. This surge in traffic volume increases the likelihood of accidents, especially involving large trucks.

Spring also brings more recreational vehicles, such as campers and boat trailers, to New Jersey roads, which can slow traffic and create unpredictable driving conditions. Additionally, warmer weather means more pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, especially in urban areas like Newark or Jersey City. Sharing the road with these vulnerable users requires extra caution, particularly for large trucks with limited visibility.

New Jersey’s highways, such as the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, are already among the busiest in the nation. Adding more vehicles to the mix creates congestion, leading to rear-end collisions, lane-change accidents, and other dangerous situations.

Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

Truck drivers play a critical role in keeping New Jersey roads safe. Here are some practical tips to help reduce the risk of accidents this spring:

• Adjust for Weather Conditions: Slow down during rain or fog, and ensure your windshield wipers and headlights are in good working order.
  
• Inspect Your Vehicle: Conduct pre-trip inspections to check tire pressure, brakes, and load security. A blown tire or shifting cargo can have catastrophic consequences.
  
• Stay Alert in Construction Zones: Be prepared for sudden stops, lane shifts, and reduced speed limits in work zones.
  
• Avoid Distractions: New Jersey’s hands-free law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3) prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving. This is especially important for truck drivers, who need to maintain full focus on the road.

Safety Tips for Passenger Vehicle Drivers

If you’re sharing the road with large trucks, these tips can help you stay safe:

• Avoid Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots on both sides, directly behind and in front of the cab. If you can’t see the truck driver in their mirror, they can’t see you.
  
• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Trucks need significantly more space to stop than passenger vehicles. Keep at least four car lengths between you and the truck ahead.
  
• Pass Safely: When passing a truck, do so quickly and avoid lingering in their blind spots. Signal your intentions clearly and give the truck plenty of space.
  
• Merge Cautiously: When entering highways or changing lanes, avoid merging directly in front of a truck. Trucks need more time to slow down, and cutting them off could lead to a rear-end collision.
  
• Lower Your Brights: When driving at night, dim your brights when approaching or passing a truck. Bright lights can reflect off a truck’s mirrors and temporarily blind the driver.
  
• Choose Your Travel Times: If possible, avoid driving during peak trucking hours, typically between noon and 3 p.m., when fatal truck accidents are most common.
  
• Eliminate Distractions: Avoid using your phone, eating, or engaging in other activities that take your focus off the road.

Involved in a Truck Accident? Call Us Now for a Free Consultation!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. New Jersey law allows accident victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is two years from the date of the accident (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). Waiting too long to take action could jeopardize your case.

At Rosengard Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. As trusted Cherry Hill, NJ truck accident lawyers, we have extensive experience handling complex trucking cases across the state. We understand the intricacies of trucking regulations, insurance claims, and state laws, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (856) 284-6446 for a free, no-obligation consultation.