When Fog and Low Visibility Result in Truck Accidents
December 28, 2018
Driving a large, commercial truck is nothing like driving a passenger vehicle. The massive size and weight of these vehicles make them difficult to navigate, and the length of the cargo trailers means that they have large blind spots. As such, when other vehicles are either driving directly behind, or next to the truck, the truck driver may not see the car.
When fog and other weather conditions make visibility low, it makes it even more difficult for truck drivers to see other vehicles in their vicinity. An experienced Baltimore truck accident lawyer can recommend the best legal course of action if you are injured in a truck accident due to another’s negligence.
Compromised Visibility
Even the most seasoned, experienced truck drivers find it difficult navigating such a massive vehicle when their visibility is compromised by fog, snow, or heavy rain. According to federal regulations, all truck companies and their drivers must follow conspicuity standards, which means that they need to ensure that their vehicles are visible during inclement weather.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires certain trucks to be equipped with red and white reflective tape, which must be placed on the sides and the rear of the truck. The tape will reflect light when it is dark, or if there is heavy fog. According to the FMCSA, the reflective tape can reduce truck accidents involving passenger vehicles crashing into the rear of a truck by close to 30 percent.
However, the tape can become old and worn, so truck companies need to replace the reflective tape when it begins to lose its effectiveness.
360-Degree Vision Technology
To help with visibility issues, 360-degree vision technology is now available, which involves mounting a camera onto the exterior of the truck. The camera transmits the visual information to a screen in the cockpit, which enables the driver to see the areas around the truck that used to be blind spots.
While the cameras provide increased visibility, some researchers are concerned that the technology has the potential for sensory overload. If truck drivers are paying too much attention to the video images, it could cause an increase in distracted driving accidents.
Ultimately, the exterior cameras have the potential to be a useful tool, provided truck drivers are properly trained.
While fog, snow, heavy rain, and other factors can cause reduced visibility, it is the truck driver’s responsibility to use extra caution based on the weather conditions. That includes listening to weather reports, reducing speed, conducting regular inspections of the vehicle, and replacing any reflective tape that is no longer effective.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Fog-Related Truck Accidents
If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, and the truck driver claimed the fog affected their visibility, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will investigate the details of the accident and determine who is responsible for your injuries. Our experienced legal team will secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
