Driving in any type of inclement weather creates challenges for all drivers. This even applies in Mississippi where snow and ice are rarely experienced. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes are more common, and all three can indeed present problems when trying to navigate the highways. Not only do storms often involve overwhelming precipitation, but wind is a real issue for those driving light or high-profile vehicles. This includes when they are loaded as well, and especially for commercial trucks.
Heavy rain and high water
While low-level and moderate rain typically only creates wet spots and puddles along the roadway, serious flooding can occur when even moderate rain happens over an extended period. Certain areas of Mississippi are prone to flooding. “Turn around, don’t drown” applies even to truckers in avoiding high-water trucking accidents. No driver should attempt to drive through high water, including truckers when the rig cannot clear the water level.
Wind
Driving in wind with an empty trailer can present serious problem potential for truck drivers. Moving head-on into a wind is not as problematic as being caught in a crosswind, but both can result in serious and sometimes fatal accidents. The recent rash of torrential rain and tornadoes in the south have proven that even loaded trucks can experience difficulty when on the highway.
Ice and snow
While rain and snow are not common in Mississippi, they do occur sometimes in the middle of winter. Being a rare event can make it troublesome for many drivers, as certain rules such as maintaining a longer distance between vehicles and knowing how to correct a sliding vehicle are important.
All Mississippi drivers should be aware of how to respond when it is necessary to drive in inclement conditions. Additionally, it is good to always have an emergency kit in the vehicle when traveling in potentially damaging weather.
If you have been injured as a result of a car accident, you should consult with an experienced attorney who handles these specific types of cases.
