Driving around trucks carries danger in any month of the year, but just as winter brings particular hazards (snow and ice), so does summer.
Here are some of them:
1. Drunk drivers
Most truckers are well aware that drunk driving could cost them their job. Yet some will still do it. Even having one drink offered to them at an evening BBQ before they start their night shift could impair their ability to drive. As trucks take longer to stop and maneuver in the first place, the slowed thinking and reactions that alcohol can cause could lead to a crash that the driver would have avoided if sober.
2. Sudden poor visibility
Most truck companies expect their drivers to stick to tight schedules. If a driver sees a thunderstorm approaching, they may be tempted to push on at full speed regardless. The heavy rain can make it much harder to see out of their windows, and as they already have massive blind spots, it could make it more likely they miss seeing another vehicle and crash into them.
3. Water on the road
Thunderstorms can cause a lot of standing water on the road. Trucks can throw up a huge amount of spray, obstructing the view of anyone around them. Semi-trucks are less likely to hydroplane than most vehicles due to their increased weight. However, their size means that it could be lethal if they do.
If a truck injures you this summer, consider legal help to understand the possible causes of the crash and your entitlement to compensation.