With its bustling streets and high traffic volume, it is not uncommon for trucks to encounter many challenges that can cause accidents. Road hazards, in particular, can pose a significant threat to truck drivers, leading to accidents that can have devastating consequences.
Many factors can contribute to truck accidents in Raleigh, from potholes and debris to road construction and inclement weather. In this article, we will educate you on the various road hazards that truck drivers may face in Raleigh and their role in causing accidents.
What Do Poor Road Conditions Mean for Liability?
When it comes to poor road conditions and liability in truck accidents, there are a variety of factors that could come into play. While drivers and trucking companies may be at fault in some cases, there are situations where the responsibility lies with government agencies or highway infrastructure.
For example, if a road was designed poorly and contributed to an accident, it could be possible to sue the responsible agency. Likewise, if a dangerous pothole was left unfilled, the agency in charge of maintaining the road could be liable. However, suing the government can be incredibly challenging and requires much legal expertise.
It’s important to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Raleigh who can help navigate the complexities of these types of cases. Ultimately, when it comes to truck accidents and poor road conditions, it’s important to thoroughly investigate all possible causes and pursue legal action to ensure responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
Missing Signage
Things like confusing back roads and unexpected curves can easily lead to a catastrophic accident without proper signage. For instance, a driver who is unfamiliar with an area might suddenly encounter a sharp turn and lose control of their vehicle. This can cause the truck to veer off the road and cause damage to both property and people.
The absence of a stop sign at an intersection can be equally dangerous. For example, a driver might assume they have the right of way and proceed, only to collide with a car already there.
Poorly Designed Roads and Intersections
Poorly designed roads and intersections can be a major cause of truck accidents. Blind curves are particularly dangerous, making it difficult for drivers to anticipate oncoming traffic. This is especially true for large trucks, which require more space to maneuver than smaller cars.
Poorly designed lanes at intersections can pose a significant hazard, making it difficult for drivers to see approaching vehicles without using mirrors. In some cases, intersections may even be so poorly designed that they encourage accidents, particularly when they involve sharp turns or narrow lanes.
Finally, road drainage issues can create hazardous conditions that can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. When roads don’t drain properly, they can become slick and slippery, increasing the risk of accidents and making it more difficult for large trucks to stop quickly in an emergency..
Potholes
Potholes are undoubtedly one of the most common and annoying road hazards that vehicle drivers and riders encounter daily. These infamous pits are caused primarily due to physical and environmental factors such as extreme temperature fluctuations, seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, and prolonged rain, snow, and ice exposure.
Irrespective of the cause, potholes possess the potential to cause extensive damage to vehicles, especially if they are deep and wide. At slower speeds, drivers may experience a bumpy ride or a slight jolt; however, at high speeds, a pothole can substantially impair vehicle control and even cause a severe accident. The impact of hitting a pothole can be catastrophic, leading to sudden tire blowouts, faulty suspensions, and damaged wheels, which could be enormously expensive to repair.
Objects in the Road
From abandoned cars to fallen trees, hazards on the road can be impossible to avoid at highway speeds. In addition, trucks’ sheer size and weight make them much less maneuverable than smaller vehicles. This means that even a minor obstacle can cause a catastrophic accident.
Whether it’s a driver in a passenger vehicle who fails to secure their load or a freak accident caused by severe weather, truck drivers must always be vigilant and prepared for anything that may come their way.
Slippery Roads
Driving in harsh weather conditions is a task that many fear, even the most skilled drivers. However, for truck drivers, the challenge is magnified due to their vehicles’ sheer size and weight. With reduced visibility, slippery roads, and unpredictable movements of other vehicles, truck drivers face a constant risk of accidents. When driving on icy and snowy roads, a truck’s traction can be severely reduced despite having anti-lock braking systems that prevent the wheels from locking.
The truck’s weight distribution also plays a significant role in maintaining traction during such conditions. Waterlogged roads are equally dangerous as they reduce the friction between the road surface and the truck’s wheels. Therefore, truck drivers need to exercise extra caution and careful driving techniques to maintain control on such treacherous roads.
Stay Safe on the Roads
According to a report by the FMCSA, almost 30% of truck accidents involve some form of roadway obstacle or hazard. It is important for all drivers, but especially truck drivers, to remain vigilant and alert while on the road and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents. This could include obeying speed limits, adjusting driving behavior in response to changing road conditions, and ensuring their trucks are in optimal condition.
By doing so, we can reduce the likelihood of truck accidents caused by road hazards, making Raleigh’s roads safer for everyone.
