The holiday season brings joy, celebrations, and reconnecting with loved ones. But it also brings crowded highways, bustling travel hubs, and an increase in large trucks on the road. For many drivers, navigating this mix can be stressful and dangerous. With everyone rushing to reach their destinations and trucks carrying extra holiday shipments, the stakes are high when it comes to road safety.
If you’re traveling during the holidays, staying safe is possible with the right precautions. Here, we’ll outline five essential tips to help you avoid accidents while sharing the road with large trucks. And if the unexpected happens and you’re injured in an accident in Kansas City, MO, knowing your legal rights could make all the difference.
Why Holiday Travel Brings More Truck Traffic
The holidays aren’t just a busy time for families and vacationers; they’re a critical time for the shipping industry. Retailers rely on trucks to deliver gifts, stocking stuffers, holiday meals, and more to meet the season’s high demand. Combined with icy roads and an increase in overall travel, this creates risky driving conditions for everyone.
Here are common holiday-related factors that lead to more truck traffic:
Holiday Deliveries
- Online shopping surges during the holidays, meaning more trucks are dispatched to keep up with supply chain demands.
Seasonal Cargo
- Big rigs carry everything from Christmas trees to holiday decorations, often on tight timelines to meet consumer expectations.
Longer Hours for Truck Drivers
- Trucking companies may require drivers to log longer hours on the road to meet deadlines. Fatigue can become a serious issue, making accidents more likely.
Understanding these factors highlights the importance of staying vigilant when traveling during the holidays.
5 Tips for Staying Safe on the Roads
You can’t control truck traffic on the road, but you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are five practical tips to help you stay safe during holiday travel:
1. Keep a Safe Distance from Trucks
Large trucks have significant blind spots on all sides, but especially behind and alongside the trailer. Avoid lingering in these “no zones” by maintaining plenty of space. Give trucks extra room to account for their slower braking times and wide turns. A good rule of thumb is to stay far enough behind the truck that you can see its mirrors; this ensures the driver can see you, too.
2. Be Extra Aware During Peak Traffic Times
Holiday travel often means congestion, especially on major highways around Kansas City. Combine that with trucks navigating loaded trailers, increasing the potential for accidents. Plan your travels during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings, to avoid the worst of the traffic. Plus, less congestion often means less stress behind the wheel.
3. Adjust for Winter Weather
Winter roads bring additional hazards like ice, snow, and slush. These conditions are especially challenging for large trucks, which already have longer stopping distances and reduced traction. Drive slower in inclement weather, keep your headlights on for visibility, and avoid sudden movements like hard braking that could cause skidding. Pull over safely if you’re uncomfortable driving and wait until conditions improve.
4. Watch for Signs of Fatigued or Distracted Truck Drivers
With holiday deadlines looming, truck drivers may feel pressured to work long hours, which can lead to fatigue. Telltale signs of a fatigued or distracted driver include swerving, inconsistent speeds, or sudden braking. If you notice these behaviors, keep your distance and report them to the proper authorities, especially if the driver seems impaired or reckless.
5. Stay Calm and Patient
The holidays can be stressful, but rushing on the highway won’t help you get there safely. Avoid tailgating, aggressive passing, or weaving between lanes to beat traffic. Keep in mind that truck drivers are professionals but aren’t immune to mistakes. Stay patient and alert can reduce your chances of getting into a hazardous situation.
The Risks of Increased Truck Traffic
Despite your best efforts to drive safely, accidents can still happen. Increased truck traffic brings unique risks that make holiday travel dangerous:
Severe Collisions
- The size and weight of semi-trucks mean accidents involving these vehicles are often catastrophic, especially for smaller cars.
Unpredictable Cargo
- Improperly secured or overweight cargo can shift, fall, or spill onto the road, creating sudden obstacles.
Driver Error
- Fatigue, stress, tight schedules, and winter weather can all lead to mistakes behind the wheel of a truck.
When combined with the naturally high volume of holiday traffic, the risk of accidents becomes significantly higher.
Why Legal Help Matters After a Truck Accident
Despite taking every precaution, you could find yourself involved in a truck-related accident. Understanding your legal rights is crucial if this happens, especially when serious injuries or significant damage occurs. These kinds of cases are complex, often involving multiple parties, from truck drivers and trucking companies to insurance providers and cargo handlers.
An experienced personal injury attorney in Kansas City, MO, can help by:
- Investigating your accident thoroughly to determine liability.
- Collecting critical evidence like black box data, driver logs, and cargo records.
- Negotiating with insurance companies so you aren’t pressured into settling for less than you deserve.
- Ensuring you’re compensated for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Truck accident claims take time and expertise. Don’t wait to take action—Missouri’s statute of limitations generally gives you five years to file a personal injury claim. However, acting quickly can preserve vital evidence and strengthen your case.
Kansas City Truck Accident Attorneys
Holiday travel is not only about reaching your destination but doing so safely, sharing the roads wisely with the many trucks that represent the lifeline of commerce and festivity during the season. If you are preparing for travel during this holiday period and need personalized advice or assistance with road incidents, Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman stands ready to help. Contact us today at (816) 542-5999 in Kansas City, MO, for expert legal counsel tailored to your personal injury needs and ensure you begin your journey with safety and confidence at the forefront.