Weather is a factor in approximately 21% of all trucking accidents. Rain, snow, ice, fog, and wind all create unique challenges for large vehicles. Yet many drivers and carriers don't adequately prepare for weather conditions or adjust their driving accordingly. Weather-Specific Risks Rain Rain reduces tire traction and visibility. At highway speeds, water can build up between the tire and the road surface, causing hydroplaning — where the tire loses contact with the road entirely. Risks: - Hydroplaning and loss of control - Reduced visibility for other drivers - Brake fade (brakes become less effective when wet) - Jackknifing (trailer swings out from behind the tractor) Snow and Ice Snow and ice dramatically reduce traction. A truck that can stop in 100 feet on dry pavement may need 300+ feet on ice. Risks: - Loss of traction and control - Jackknifing - Rollovers on curves - Getting stuck and blocking traffic Fog Fog reduces visibility to dangerous levels, often without warning. Risks: - Collision with vehicles ahead due to inability to see them - Other drivers not seeing your truck - Difficulty judging distance and speed High Winds High winds can push a large truck sideways, particularly when passing other vehicles or when the truck is empty (less weight = more susceptibility to wind). Risks: - Lateral movement into other lanes - Rollovers on curves - Loss of control when passing Pre-Weather Preparation Truck Maintenance Tires: - Check tread depth (minimum 4/32 inch; 6/32 inch is better for wet conditions) - Ensure even wear (misaligned wheels reduce traction) - Verify proper inflation (underinflated tires are more prone to hydroplaning) Brakes: - Ensure brakes are in good condition (worn brakes are less effective in wet conditions) - Check brake fluid level and condition Wipers and washers: - Replace wiper blades if they streak or skip - Ensure washer fluid is full Lights: - All lights functional and clean (mud and dirt reduce visibility) Engine: - Ensure engine is running smoothly (hesitation or misfiring in wet conditions can be dangerous) Route Planning - Check weather forecasts before starting - Identify alternate routes if weather is severe - Know where truck stops and rest areas are located - Plan for longer travel times in bad weather Load Securing - Ensure cargo is properly secured (wind and sudden braking can shift cargo) - Verify that cargo weight is properly distributed Adjusting Your Driving In Rain - Reduce speed (the faster you go, the more likely hydroplaning becomes) - Increase following distance (you need more room to stop) - Avoid sudden maneuvers (smooth steering and braking reduce hydroplaning risk) - Use headlights to increase visibility - Avoid puddles (you don't know how deep they are) In Snow and Ice - Reduce speed significantly (you may need to go 20-30 mph on icy roads) - Increase following distance dramatically (you may need 8-10 truck lengths) - Avoid sudden acceleration or braking (this causes loss of traction) - Use lower gears to maintain traction - If you start to skid, stay calm and avoid sudden steering corrections In Fog - Reduce speed - Use low-beam headlights (high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility further) - Increase following distance - Use hazard lights if visibility is extremely limited - Consider pulling over if visibility becomes too limited In High Winds - Reduce speed - Grip the steering wheel firmly - Avoid sudden lane changes - Be particularly careful when passing other vehicles - Be aware that empty trailers are more susceptible to wind When to Pull Over There are conditions where the right decision is to stop: - Visibility is so limited you can't see the road ahead - Ice or snow is accumulating on the road - Winds are so strong you're having difficulty controlling the truck - You're too tired to drive safely - Your truck is having mechanical issues in bad weather Pulling over is not a failure. It's the right call. You won't make your delivery if you're in an accident. The Insurance Perspective Weather-related accidents are generally not considered the driver's fault — unless the driver was speeding for conditions, was fatigued, or failed to adjust their driving appropriately. However, if you're in an accident in bad weather and your pre-trip inspection report shows you didn't check your tires or brakes, you've just provided evidence that you didn't take reasonable precautions. Carriers with documented weather safety training and policies see lower accident rates in bad weather and lower insurance premiums. What Trux Recommends Implement a weather safety program that includes: - Pre-season truck maintenance checklist - Weather-specific driving training - Clear policies on when drivers should pull over - Regular review of weather-related accidents to identify patterns If you're a driver, check the weather before you leave. Adjust your speed and following distance. And if conditions become too severe, pull over. Your safety is worth more than any delivery deadline.