Michigan Weather

Most Michigan residents say they enjoy living here for the four seasons. A drawback to the balmy summers, breezy springs, crisp falls and white winters though, is the abrupt change in temperature, which can cause treacherous conditions on Michigan roads. Adding to the lengthy list of truck accident causes is Michigan weather. But weather’s role in Michigan truck accidents is not as significant as it seems.

According to thousands of truck accident cases we’ve handled and state government statistics, there were no contributing weather conditions in more than 80 percent of the reported truck accidents occurring in Michigan. That figure suggests weather plays some role in nearly 20 percent of the reported truck accidents in Michigan.

Still, most of those accidents could have been prevented. For example, many Michigan lawyers and police accident investigators contend that where weather played a contributing role in a truck accident, the truck driver failed to comply with Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) guidelines, such as reducing the speed by 2/3 of the posted speed limit on hazardous roads; or failed to comply with federal regulations on braking and hours of service.

The Michigan Basic Speed Law requires a driver to travel at a “careful and prudent” speed in all driving conditions, meaning driving at a speed that allows one to stop within the clear distance ahead. Depending on the conditions, the speed according to the Michigan Basic Speed Law may be lower than the posted limit.

Meanwhile, there are a number of unique Michigan weather conditions that truck drivers must pay special caution. Drivers must be carefully prepared and more alert when shifting gears through fog, rain, snow, sleet, hail and even sweltering temperatures. Driving in changing weather conditions is further complicated on hilly terrain, at night, across railroad intersections and from hazards like construction zones, pavement drop-offs, and objects laying in the roadway and merging ramps.

If you have been involved in a Michigan truck accident due to treacherous Michigan weather, or a truck driver who may have been driving recklessly amid dangerous road conditions, please call an expert lawyer from Michigan Auto Law at (800) 777-0028 to protect your rights. Or to request a free, no obligation case evaluation with one of our Michigan truck accident attorneys, please fill out our contact form and we will respond to your inquiry within one business day.