Impacts which are likely to affect drivers of tractor-trailers, 18 wheelers, and other big rigs include:

• Wet, slippery roads;
• Poor visibility due to fog and glare;
• Increased likelihood for traffic tie-ups;
• Road closures and lane restrictions.

While it is natural to think that heavy snowfalls and accumulations would be among the most significant dangers, the fact is that rain is more of a concern. It is estimated that close to 50 percent of weather-related crashes occur over rainy days and nights, while two-thirds of all accidents, in general, involved wet road conditions. With the amount of rain Utah experiences over the winter months, residents of our area need to be aware of the dangers.

How Harsh Weather Makes Truck Accidents More Likely

Truck accidents are the most potentially dangerous type of crash. The massive size and weight of most heavy trucks provide a level of protection for the driver. As a result, other motorists are generally involved who suffer the most significant impacts when truck accidents happen.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that more than 4,000 people are killed in truck accidents each year, while tens of thousands of others suffer serious injuries. Poor weather conditions are a leading factor in these crashes. Impacts truckers are likely to experience on wet, icy roads in Portland include:

• Poor tire traction;
• Decreased stopping ability;
• Increased blind spots on the road;
• Increased mechanical difficulties;
• Greater risks for rollover accidents.

In general, truckers need 20 to 40 feet more space to stop or respond to changes in traffic conditions than other motorists. In adverse weather, this discrepancy is even greater, making rear-end truck accidents more likely as well.

Here are five of the most dangerous jobs in Utah.

Roofing Contractor

Roofing is dangerous as you can slide off a roof while working and injure yourself or even die. While protective gear, such as harnesses, should protect you, they cannot prevent every injury. Beyond the dangers of working high above the ground present, roofers in Utah are also subject to excessive heat during the summer months. These temperatures can lead to dehydration or heat stroke. During monsoon season, which leads to heavy, unexpected rain, roofs become slick and slippery. This causes plenty of falls and injuries.

Taxi Drivers

Taxi drivers are at risk in two different ways. First, robbery and assault are not unheard of for taxi drivers, causing mental and physical injuries. While installing cameras in taxis has had a positive impact on drivers’ safety, danger still lurks. The second reason driving a taxicab can be dangerous is that taxicab drivers are at risk of being involved in an auto accident with all their driving. They are often in some of the most congested traffic, which puts them in constant contact with distracted drivers and other factors that lead to accidents.

Truck Drivers

Driving on the road is dangerous. Utah has many tourists who go up the valley in sometimes harsh winter weather. This is one of the reasons why Utah has a high traffic accident percentage compared to other areas. Truck drivers who make deliveries or drive in and out of the city are at risk for injuries or death due to other drivers’ actions, including those tourists who may not be familiar with our roadways. This can lead to devastating truck accidents that impact everyone involved.

Security Guards

Security guard positions are everywhere in Utah. Unfortunately, security guards often face troublesome individuals. They deal with people who are drunk or need to contain individuals breaking laws until the police arrive. Security guards can sustain several injuries, including slip and falls while chasing suspects or injuries sustained when suspects fight back.

Road Construction Workers

You already know that Utah roadways are hazardous. People are not always paying attention to their surroundings, and they may be in a hurry to get where they are going. Road construction workers put their lives at risk every day as they repair potholes, repave roads, and build new roadways or road structures. Road construction workers work in oppressively hot temperatures during the summer months, which causes heat-related injuries like heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

If you work in one of these fields, you face the risk of falling victim to an on-the-job injury more than in other areas of work. Worker’s compensation helps cover your medical expenses and lost wages when you get hurt. Unfortunately, insurance companies often wrongfully deny coverage for a claim or fail to provide all the benefits you are entitled to. If you suffered injuries while working a dangerous job, you need an attorney who understands the dangers of working in Utah. They can help you to obtain the benefits that you need.

The Most Dangerous Roads in Utah

Interstate 15

Commonly known as I-15, this is by far the most traveled highway in the state. This spanning road system allows people to travel to the most northern and southern tips of the state. I-15 is a convenient way for people to travel to the state’s most populated cities, including Ogden, Salt Lake City, Provo, and down to St. George. Utah Highway Patrol states that in 20% of all life-ending car accidents, people were not wearing seatbelts at the time.

Risk factors on I-15

• Many areas allow for high-speed driving. This includes areas where speed limits reach 75 to 80 miles per hour.
• This freeway can have large traffic congestion spots, especially during rush hour times when people are traveling to and from work.

U.S. Route 89

This is one of the oldest highway systems in Utah. It was established in 1926 and is considered the second most dangerous road in our beehive state. This roadway is known for its frequent twists and turns, requiring attentive driving. Highway 89 spans more than 500 miles from Arizona to Logan, Utah. Drivers need to be aware of the dangers of head-on-collisions with cars and trucks going in the opposite direction.

Interstate 80

This is the only transcontinental highway in Utah. It runs from San Francisco, California, to New York City. This road claims the 3rd most lives every year, spanning almost 160 miles of our state going east to west.

Risk Factors on I-80

• The highway passes right through the “spaghetti bowl” section of our freeway system. This is an area prone to accidents and high levels of traffic congestion. Remember, the more cars on the road; the more traffic accidents will occur.
• This highway also has sections where speed limits can be elevated in some areas up to 75 miles per hour. The faster vehicles are traveling; the more likely resulting car crashes are going to be fatal.
• Areas of this highway can have severe weather conditions such as rain and snowfall. There are several sections where animal migration and crossings are frequent.