Large Commercial Trucks Are Dangerous in Dust Storms and Can Cause Very Serious New Mexico Trucking Accidents
Large commercial trucks are heavy, quickly gain momentum, and require a lot of distance to stop. At high speeds on interstates this can be a deadly recipe even in the best of conditions. However this is not always the case. We know that New Mexico can suffer some very serious dust storms which can absolutely limit visions and decrease traction, both which make it harder to operate any motor vehicle—especially a large commercial truck such as a tanker, big rig, flatbed, semi, 18-wheeler, or other massive truck.
As drivers of passenger vehicles, we can do everything possible in our hands to drive safely in dust storms and on even more generally on the road. However, this does not guarantee that a truck driver will. If you or a loved one are injured on a highway or interstate during a dust storm because of a negligent truck driver, call the New Mexico trucking accident attorneys at the Mark Caruso to learn how we can help protect your rights. We have the skill and knowledge from years of representing victims and families in New Mexico trucking accidents in various cases including Wrongful Death matters. Call us today for a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 407-0458.
Reasons Why Dust Storms are Dangerous and Deadly
The main reason why dust storms are so dangerous is because they limit and obscure vision. On highways and interstates when motorists are driving at a high rate of speed, this can result in very serious problems. It can decrease the time a motorist has to react to hazards in the roadway, while hiding some hazards which would normally be visible but now are not because of the heavy dust storm.
For large commercial trucks, dust storms are very dangerous because truck drivers need all the time and distance they can to stop their vehicle. The failure to do so can result in collisions with other motor vehicles and, on the interstate, result in a pileup.
Another reason why dust storms are dangerous is because they can reduce traction on the roadway by blowing sand and other debris onto it. It may not sound like this could cause a big difference, but even a little bit of sand and dust can reduce friction and extend the time to stop—even if it is just by a foot. When you are talking about a large commercial truck, a foot extra of stopping time can be the difference between a full stop, a soft tap, or a collision resulting in serious personal injuries in a trucking accident.
A third reason why dust storms are so dangerous are because they general serious gusts of wind. While not as must of an issue for smaller passenger vehicles, a large tractor trailer or tandem trailer could be blown over or even just blow off course and into another lane. This can result in a collision with another vehicle and, again, on a highway or interstate this can cause a serious New Mexico trucking accident.
The final reason why dust storms are so dangerous is because they can conceal accidents caused by the other reasons. Meaning, after there has been an accident, the dust storm can make it hard for other vehicles approaching the accident scene to see the crash. This can result in a pileup accident and cause more injuries to others on or around the roadway.
New Mexico Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Need to Protect All Of Us in Dust Storms
If a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a New Mexico trucking accident, contact the experienced trucking accident attorneys at the Mark Caruso today by dialing (505) 407-0458. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
