Trucker kills two in rear-end accident in snow storm

Two Colorado women were killed over the weekend when they were rear-ended by a tractor-trailer.  The accident occurred in blizzard conditions as the women were driving on Interstate 70.  The women were traveling at the pace of other traffic in the area at about 15 miles per hour, while the tractor trailer was traveling at approximately 55 miles per hour.  The truck driver has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, despite the fact that he was traveling below the posted speed limit.

Given the tightly regulated nature of the trucking industry, it should come as little surprise that there are specific regulations which cover the operation of tractor trailers in inclement weather.  49 CFR Part 392.14 requires truck drivers to slow their vehicles and to exercise extreme caution when hazardous conditions such as snow, ice, fog, or smoke are present and if conditions are sufficiently dangerous, to cease operations and pull to the side of the road or exit the road. 

This regulation clearly puts the onus on truck drivers to slow or get off the road.  Too many truckers thinnk that poor weather puts the onus on you to get out of their way.  Further, it is obligation of trucking companies to tell their drivers to get off the road during poor weather conditions and not pressure their drivers to make tight delivery schedules.  Unfortunately, it has been my experience (and I am sure the experience of many others) that during snowy weather, the scariest experience on the road is seeing a truck driver coming up quickly behind you. 

This regulation will be strong support in the wrongful death suit that will arise out of this trucking accident.  One benefit of hiring an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer is that we are aware of regulations such as this and of how they can be put to good use following a truck accident.


The accident in Colorado is exactly why the regulation is in place.