ruck drivers throughout the nation spend countless hours driving in adverse weather conditions like high winds, ice and snow. Unfortunately, these road hazards frequently cause accidents that are catastrophic and sometimes deadly. The Michigan Center for Truck Safety, however, has created a solution that may prove to be extremely effective in reducing the number of truck accidents that result in devastating injuries and fatalities.
The use of innovative cold weather simulators help truckers identify potential dangers. These state of the art simulators have been around for a few years now, and an increasing number of both new and experienced truck drivers are coming away with lessons about their own habits and abilities in adverse weather conditions, as well as the capabilities and limitations of their massive vehicles. These simulators are designed to use a wide variety of scenarios and challenges that truckers often face under common cold weather road conditions. Demonstrating the effects of miscalculations and other errors helps drivers make real life adjustments to their driving behaviors, which is destined to help save lives.
Some of the scenarios that commonly cause truck accidents in cold weather months include:
- Following too closely
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Inexperience with driving in adverse weather conditions
- Overconfidence in the drivers abilities
- Failing to realize the limitations of the big rig in poor weather
Simulation of these scenarios enables truck drivers to realize the possible consequences of such issues without endangering them or other motorists on the road.
According to Nashville truck accident lawyer Henry Queener, “Requiring all commercial truck drivers to experience these types of cold weather simulations would be an optimal solution to help reduce the number of truck accidents on America’s roadways.” Unfortunately, it is not required by law for truckers to participate in simulation activities prior to operating big rigs in the United States.