Have you ever been on the road in the middle of a storm? If you have, then you know how stressful it can be. After all, storms pose a serious danger to everyone on the road, and it’s especially stressful for truck drivers who need to be on the road constantly. We recommend refraining from truck driving during stormy weather, as there are many risks that can come from doing this.

High Winds Can Take Trucks Out of Their Lanes

Some storms bring strong winds with them. Strong winds can be problematic for any driver, but truck drivers should be especially concerned about them. The reason is because larger trucks are more impacted by wind. As an example, if a truck has a trailer, the trailer serves as a sail of sorts, which allows the wind to push a truck out of its lane more easily.

Rain Makes it Harder for Trucks to Stop

Trucks are already heavier than most other vehicles, meaning that more distance is needed to come to a stop when truck driving. Rain makes it even more difficult for trucks to stop. When the ability to stop is reduced, the chances of a crash occurring while truck driving go up significantly. One of the most common ways for a crash to happen is when a smaller vehicle merges in front of a truck on the road. It’s important for all drivers to give truck drivers as much space as possible when merging. This gives them sufficient time to respond to your lane change.

On top of a reduced ability to stop your truck, rain also decreases visibility on the road, especially if the rain is falling heavily. When visibility is decreased, it’s harder to react to what’s on the road, and slowed reaction time can also result in crashes while truck driving.

Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!

Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or are simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.