However, while these can be enjoyable, they can also be extremely dangerous if you are not careful while you are behind the wheel. Since most car accidents occur during summer months, you must do everything possible to protect yourself and the friends/family that may be tagging along. If you need some tips, here’s some to help you stay safe while on the road this summer.

Beware of your Surroundings

While you’re driving on the road, make sure you know what and who is on the road around you. There are many parties taking place during this time of year, especially around downtown Salt Lake City, meaning you should assume that pedestrians may be impaired by drugs or alcohol. Be more mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles around you. Adjust your rear- and side-view mirrors to help you keep a better eye on your surroundings and minimize blind spots. Should you find yourself involved in an accident with an impaired driver, do not hesitate to contact our expert Salt Lake City car accident lawyers at the Ault Firm.

Your Car’s Mechanical Maintenance

Before you go venturing off down the road, always make sure your car is in perfect mechanical condition. Make sure to check your breaks, turn signals, windshield wipers, tire pressure and treads, and all fluids replaced. Should you be involved in an accident, the opposing driver’s attorney may try to claim your vehicle was in poor condition when the car accident took place, and in turn, placing blame on you for the crash. If this is the case, know that you can turn to the expert legal guidance of one of our Salt Lake City car accident lawyers at the Ault Firm.

Dangers of snow and ice with 18-wheelers

Although there may be actions taken to help prevent future accidents, the bottom line is that people need to slow down. Truckers are no different than everyday drivers. They can make mistakes and often have difficulties driving under winter conditions. Just because the speed limit is 75 miles per hour does not mean that you have to drive that speed when the road is covered in snow and ice. Perhaps we saw the increase in semi-truck accidents near St. George because drivers do not expect icy roads like they would near Salt Lake City.

Some people may be surprised to find that they are at fault when a car accident happens during winter driving conditions. They may feel that it is unfair to hold them responsible when it is “impossible” to control their vehicles because of the ice on the road. In reality, most accidents, even in the ones in the snow, could have been avoided. It is up to every driver, those of passenger cars and semi-trucks, to drive at speeds that are safe for current weather conditions. Large semi-trucks will have difficulty stopping or making evasive maneuvers when it is difficult to do so. When you drive this winter, make sure to expect snow, ice, and even hard to see black ice. Give all vehicles a bubble around your car in case they lose control. If you or a loved one has been hit by a car or semi-truck because of snowy conditions, call the legal experts at Utah Personal Injury Attorneys by calling (801) 839-4411 today.

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.

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.