Now that the winter months are here, something to keep in mind is how hazardous the roads could be. If you’re working a job that requires you to be on the road, take the time to perform winter maintenance on your vehicle and prepare for ice, snow, sleet and other roadway hazards.
Winter storms have caused major backups and collisions on the highways. The Wisconsin State Patrol reported two semi jackknife accidents on Interstate 94 and Interstate 41 northbound on Jan. 26, and those are just one example of how a drive in the winter could go wrong.
Winter weather created a dangerous situation for drivers
The winter weather that day resulted in two semis crashing at around 8:00 a.m. At around 10:00 a.m., the police were able to clear the roads and get traffic moving again, but the conditions were still poor. Slick roads made it much more likely that large trucks would slide or jackknife, so the Wisconsin State Patrol put out a warning to back away from those vehicles and to give them space.
Driving a semi in the winter? Be cautious
If you will be driving a semi during the winter months, then it’s a smart idea to brush up on your winter driving training and to make sure you’re traveling at speeds that are appropriate for the conditions. Check the wind speeds, temperature and other conditions before you head out. Doing so could help you prevent a crash and keep your rig on the road.
If you do get into a crash while working, it should be considered a workplace accident. You have a right to expect workers’ compensation to help you cover your losses and provide the care that you need. An experienced attorney here in Wauwatosa can guide you.
