Avoiding Michigan Truck Accidents Information | Truck Accident Lawyers

Construction Zones

Construction zones are a common sight on Michigan roads. But while ongoing maintenance is necessary to care for our highways, construction zones can also cause semi-truck accidents. This is because there can be sudden shifts in the flow of traffic, narrower lanes, and changes to road surfaces in construction zones.

With a semi-truck’s larger size and weight, these changes are particularly difficult for truckers to adapt to, leading to truck drivers losing control of their vehicles and causing an accident.

Inadequate Signage

A truck driver needs to know information about the road ahead to safely pilot a vehicle that weighs 80,000 lbs. This information should appear in various types of signs, such as lanes ending or merging, bumps or uneven pavement, or other changes in the road.

However, sometimes there is either missing signage, insufficient signage, or a complete lack of signage to begin with. These signage issues can hide road hazards, making them unavoidable and causing an accident. A lack of signage is especially dangerous when in construction areas, thus compounding an already dangerous situation.

Roads Not Suitable for Trucks

Not all roads in Michigan were designed with semi-trucks in mind. Some road designs predate them, while others were designed primarily with smaller passenger vehicles in mind.

The result is a road that has features or conditions that may lead to truck accidents. Some of these dangerous features or conditions include:

• Intersections with narrow lanes or sharp turns that make it difficult for truck drivers to maneuver their trailers or anticipate the actions of other vehicles
• Blind curves that hinder visibility and make it difficult for truck drivers to see oncoming traffic
• Poor drainage on roads which can easily flood or form ice
• Inadequate space to safely turn or stop

Limited Parking and Rest Areas

Many may be surprised to learn of the connection between accidents and the lack of suitable parking or rest areas for semi-truck drivers. However, these parking and rest areas are crucial for Michigan road safety.

This is because inadequate or limited facilities can force tired drivers to continue their journey instead of stopping to rest. Tired drivers have worse judgment and slower reaction times, thus increasing the risk of accidents due to truck driver fatigue.

Lack of Sufficient Lighting

Some roads in Michigan may lack proper lighting, especially in rural areas. This can be a significant cause of truck accidents, especially since many truckers drive at night or choose a route through rural areas to avoid traffic and save time.

Weather-Related Hazards

Michigan experiences a wide range of weather conditions, from heavy snowfall to intense rainstorms. These weather patterns can create hazardous road conditions for any vehicle by reducing visibility and making roads slippery.

However, semi-trucks are especially susceptible to accidents due to poor weather. This is because the momentum from their 40-ton load makes it far more difficult to turn or stop when there is snow, ice, or heavy rain on the roads.

And with trailers over 13 feet tall and 48 feet long, semi-trucks are especially susceptible to high winds. These semi-trailers can act like a huge sail that catch strong gusts, causing them to tip over onto other vehicles.

Lack of Adequate Guardrails and Barriers

Certain dangerous stretches of Michigan’s roads need guardrails to keep motorists safe. This may be due to traffic, road design, or certain hazards.

However, some roads may lack guardrails or barriers completely or may have poorly maintained guardrails that no longer function properly. This can cause truck drivers who would have only temporarily lost control of their vehicles to lose all control and cause a severe accident.

Potholes and Deteriorating Infrastructure

Michigan’s harsh winters and heavy traffic takes a major toll on the quality and safety of its roads. For trucks, navigating through potholes can be particularly challenging due to their massive weight, long length, and inability to quickly maneuver if a road surface issue suddenly arises.

Potholes can also damage tires, suspension, chassis, or other components on a truck, which can lead to the driver losing control and causing an accident.

Need More Answers About How Road Conditions Can Affect Your Michigan Truck Accident Case?

If you were impacted by a Detroit truck accident, a Southfield truck accident, or a truck accident anywhere else in Michigan, Kajy Law’s truck accident attorneys are ready to assist you.

Get a one-on-one consultation with our truck accident lawyers to get answers about any questions you have, including how road conditions can impact your truck accident case. Call us today or fill out our contact form to get started.

Contact Our Michigan Truck Accident Lawyers

If you were affected by a truck accident in Michigan, reach out to us now for help. Having won over 2,500 cases, you can rest easy knowing your case is in the right hands.

Get started today with a free consultation. Call us at  248-702-6641 or fill out our contact form.