Inclement weather is a fact of life and can often cause dangerous driving conditions. While all drivers should exercise extra caution when driving in the rain, snow, or fog, certain vehicles are more at risk than others for accidents. We will break down the maneuverability issues that arise for various types of motor vehicles in inclement weather so that you can be better prepared to share the roads safely with others.
Maneuverability Issues in Inclement Weather
Motorcyclists
Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to poor visibility and slick surfaces in inclement weather. The combination of a lightweight vehicle and narrow tires makes it difficult for riders to maintain control. Furthermore, wet surfaces reduce traction, which can lead to skidding or sliding if the rider brakes too hard or takes a turn too quickly.
Drivers should watch for motorcyclists in rainy conditions and give them plenty of space when passing or merging into their lanes.
Passenger Cars
Passenger cars are often equipped with features like anti-lock brakes, traction control systems, and stability control systems which help them handle slippery roads more easily than other vehicles. However, passenger cars still experience decreased maneuverability in inclement weather due to reduced tire tread depth and traction on wet surfaces despite these safety features. To avoid hydroplaning (a phenomenon where water accumulates underneath the car’s tires, causing them to lose contact with the road), drivers should reduce their speed on wet roads and use extra caution when changing lanes or making turns.
SUVs/Pickups
These larger vehicles usually have higher ground clearance which helps them traverse snowy and icy roads more easily than other vehicle types. However, they may also experience reduced maneuverability due to their size and weight when compared to smaller cars. To compensate for this issue, drivers should drive slowly and cautiously on wet roads to not increase their chances of losing control of their vehicle due to hydroplaning or skidding on slick surfaces.
Big Trucks
Big trucks, such as semi-trucks and 18-wheelers, present unique maneuverability issues during inclement weather because of their sheer size and weight. Due to their high center of gravity, large trucks have difficulty making sharp turns without tipping over or sliding off the road if they are traveling at high speeds in rain or snow. Furthermore, these vehicles require longer braking distances than other types of motor vehicles, so drivers must always remain vigilant while sharing the road with big trucks during bad weather conditions.
Do Your Part
Inclement weather can create dangerous driving conditions for all types of motor vehicles – from motorcycles to 18-wheelers – but by keeping an eye out for one another on the road, we can minimize these risks while still getting where we need to go safely. Drivers should always exercise extra caution when driving in rain, snow, sleet, fog, etc., by reducing speed and increasing distance between themselves and other motorists on wet surfaces if possible so as not to put themselves at risk for accidents caused by poor visibility or reduced maneuverability in bad weather conditions.
Speak with an Attorney Today
Unfortunately, even when you do everything right, someone else’s negligence can still lead to an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a big truck crash in Louisiana, our experienced truck accident team at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys will help you understand your rights and explore your options for seeking compensation.
Contact us online or call us at (225) 230-3110 to schedule an appointment with our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Baton Rouge today.