Indianapolis saw the first measurable snow fall of the season this morning. Often, the first snowfall of the season catches motorists off guard resulting in drivers not giving themselves enough time to safely get where they are headed. Failing to reduce speed when the roads are wet, or snow-covered leads to an increase in motor vehicle accidents. According to statistics provided by the Indiana Public Policy Institute, there were more speed-related accidents in 2018 than there were in the preceding 4 years. While January sees the most speed-related crashes at 19.9% of all collisions, December sees a large amount of speed-related collisions as well.
Winter Driving Tips for Passenger Vehicles
According to the NHTSA the main winter weather driving tip is to slow down. It is harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. This advice is not just for passenger vehicles though.
People Die When Semis Fail to Slow for Winter Conditions
Nearly every winter I am hired because someone is killed or severely injured by a semi or other commercial vehicle that was going too fast for the winter road conditions. Unfortunately, we have all seen semis passing slower-moving vehicles in the snow where the roads are slick from snow or ice. This is not only dangerous but also against the rules that truck drivers agree to follow when entrusted with their commercial driver’s license.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial drivers should reduce their speed by 1/3 on wet roads and by 1/2 or more on snow-packed roads. Further, Section 392.14 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation provides that: extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet…adversely affect visibility or traction. Speed shall be reduced when such conditions exist. Also, according to the CDL Manual Section 2.10: Do not pass slower vehicles unless necessary and watch far enough ahead to keep a steady speed.
Involved in a Winter Collision?
If you are involved in a crash this winter caused by another motorist in Indiana, our knowledgeable accident lawyers are ready to help. A trucking accident can be devastating if you have suffered serious injuries, or if you have lost a loved one. Please call our talented Indiana truck accident lawyers at the law offices of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. We will help you to prove that the truck driver or the trucking company involved should be held liable for damages, regardless of weather conditions. You can reach us online by filling out a contact form, and a representative from our office will get in touch with you shortly.
Learn more about motor vehicle accidents from our attorney David Resnick on his video podcast After The Crash (also available on YouTube Podcasts).
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