Birds eye view of three red and white semi trucks driving along a snowy road

3 Things You Need To Do To Stay Safe While Sharing The Road With Large Trucks This Winter

Driving in winter weather can be a serious challenge in South Dakota. On average, South Dakota receives at least 30 inches of snow each year and has generally experienced an increase in snowfall over the years.

Here are three things you should do to stay safe while driving near large trucks this winter:

#1 - Avoid Blind Spots

If you think your blind spots are bad in your four-wheel vehicle, just imagine how difficult it is to see the blind spots while driving a big rig. Check out the visual representation below to see just how massive large trucks’ blind spots really are.

illustration of a semi truck's blind spots

Image retrieved from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

It’s even more important to make sure that trucks can see you when driving in winter weather. Correcting mistakes is already extremely difficult for large trucks, and when you add snow, ice, and sleet to the equation, bad things can happen—fast.

#2 - Pass Safely

Large trucks can’t stop or slow down as promptly as passenger cars, so it’s crucial that you pass safely. Give trucks plenty of space. It’s already difficult for trucks to stop suddenly on dry roads, so it’s easy to understand that it will be even more challenging for them to stop on winter roads.

Only pass trucks on the left. As you can see in the graphic above, truck drivers are better able to see vehicles driving on their left than their right. When visibility is difficult during a storm, it’s even more important to make sure that truck drivers can see you as you pass.

#3 - Maintain Adequate Distance

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to leave one car length’s distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you for every 10 miles per hour (mph) of your rate of speed. For example, if you’re going 60 mph, you should leave at least six car lengths between your car and the one in front of you.

Increase this distance even more when driving near large trucks, especially in snowy road conditions. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to double the driving distance suggested above when driving near large trucks on snowy roads. That way, even if your tires slide on black ice, your chance of colliding with the nearby vehicles is significantly reduced.

If you’ve been injured in a winter weather car accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation. Let us see if we can help you recover it.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, our lawyers at Whiting Hagg & Dorsey, LLPmay be able to help you receive the settlement you deserve. Give us a call at (605) 519-6136 or fill out an online contact form.

Categories