Safe Winter Driving: Tips for Driving Near Trucks

Western New York winters can bring snow, sleet, ice, and limited visibility—and often during a busy holiday travel season. Add large commercial vehicles and semi-trucks into the mix and the risks can increase even further.

Truck drivers are trained to operate their vehicles safely, but winter weather and congested roads create challenges for everyone. As a driver sharing the road with 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other large commercial vehicles, it’s important to consider safe winter driving during every trip this season.

At Feroleto Law, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating truck accidents can be. Our Buffalo truck accident attorneys are only aphone call or message away if you ever need legal help navigating a personal injury claim, but we’d rather help you prevent an accident from happening in the first place.

Holiday Traffic and Trucking

During the holiday season, truck traffic increases significantly as goods are delivered to homes, stores, and warehouses. Drivers may be facing tighter schedules and demands for more hours on the road.

Combine this with higher passenger vehicle traffic and unpredictable weather, and it becomes clear why winter holiday travel is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road in New York.

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The Dangers of Winter Driving

According to the Federal Highway Administration, about 500,000 car crashes in the U.S. per year are caused by snow, sleet, ice, or slush on the roads.About 1,700 Americans die each year in these crashes.

Commercial vehicles, due to their size and weight, take longer to stop and have more difficulty maneuvering in slippery conditions. A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at highway speed can take more than 500 feetto come to a complete stop on icy roads.

That’s why defensive driving around trucks is essential during winter months in New York.

How to Drive Safely Near Trucks in Winter Weather

1. Stay Visible & Avoid Blind Spots

Trucks have massive blind spots, often called "No Zones," on all four sides:

• Directly in front (closer than 20 feet)
• Behind (within 30 feet)
• Along the left side (under the cab mirror)
• Along the right side (extending across several lanes)

Tip: If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their mirror, they can’t see you. Always assume you're invisible and act accordingly.

2. Maintain a Safe Distance

Tailgating or driving too close to a truck reduces your reaction time. On slick winter roads, this can be deadly.

Tip: Increase your following distance to at least 6-8 secondsin snowy or icy conditions. This gives you more room to stop if the truck brakes suddenly.

3. Pass with Caution and Don’t Cut Off Trucks

Trucks need significantly more time and space to slow down, especially in winter.

Tip: When passing, do it quickly and safely. Never pull back in front of a truck until you can clearly see the entire cab in your rearview mirror. Cutting off a truck can cause the driver to brake suddenly, increasing the chance of a jackknife or rear-end crash.

4. Anticipate Wide Turns

Trucks swing wide to make right turns and may appear to be turning left at first.

Tip: Never try to sneak between a turning truck and the curb. Give them plenty of room to complete their turn safely.

5. Avoid Sudden Maneuvers

Slippery roads make sudden lane changes or quick braking even more dangerous around trucks.

Tip: Drive smoothly and predictably. Signal early when merging or changing lanes. Brake gently.

6. Watch for Road Spray and Reduced Visibility

Trucks kick up slush, salt, and snow that can instantly obscure your windshield.

Tip: Use your headlights, keep your wipers in good condition, and make sure your windshield washer fluid is full.

7. Beware of Downgrades and Hills

Trucks may slow significantly when climbing hills or pick up speed when descending in icy conditions.

Tip: Don’t linger in the lanes beside a truck on an incline. Give them space to maneuver safely.

8. Stay Off Your Phone

Distracted driving is never safe, but it's especially dangerous in winter around large vehicles.

Tip: Put your phone away and focus fully on the road. Conditions can change rapidly and you'll need every second to react.

9. Respect Stopped or Stranded Trucks

In poor conditions, truck drivers may pull over for safety.

Tip: Never pass a stopped truck on the shoulder at high speed, no matter what the weather conditions may be. Slow down and move over to provide a safe buffer.

Tips for Driving Long Distances Near Trucks in Winter

Planning a trip across the state or out of town for the holidays? Keep these long-haul safety tips in mind:

• Check the forecast: Know where snow, wind, or freezing rain may slow you down or reduce traction.
• Leave early: Give yourself extra time so you don’t feel rushed and make risky moves near trucks.
• Take breaks: Fatigue dulls your reaction time and judgment.
• Pack an emergency kit: Include blankets, flares, snacks, and a phone charger.
• Check tire pressure: Cold temperatures reduce pressure, affecting grip.

What To Do If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident

Despite your best safe winter driving efforts, accidents can happen that are beyond your control. If you or a loved one isinvolved in a crash with a large truck, take the following steps:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
3. Do not admit fault, even casually
4. Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the road conditions
5. Collect witness information
6. Avoid speaking to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters before talking to a lawyer

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Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

Truck crashes are not like regular car accidents. They often involve:

• Multiple parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance company)
• Federal trucking regulations
• More severe injuries and higher medical costs
• Commercial insurers with teams of lawyers

Trucking companies often have their legal teams and investigators on the scene within hours. You need an experienced and aggressive Buffalo truck accident attorney on your side who knows how these companies operate and how to fight them.

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Contact Feroleto Law After a Truck Accident in Western New York

If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a truck accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Feroleto Law, we have:

• Over 40 years of experience helping injury victims
• A track record of securing millions of dollars for truck accident clients
• A deep understanding of state and federal trucking regulations
• Access to accident reconstruction experts and investigators
• A commitment to treating you with respect, compassion, and fierce advocacy

Our Buffalo truck accident attorneys know what you’re up against and will fight tirelessly to make sure the trucking company and its insurers are held accountable. From filing your claim and preserving evidence to negotiating a fair settlement or going to trial, we’re with you every step of the way.

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Free Consultation. No Fee Unless We Win.

You won’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you. Contact Feroleto Law today for a free and confidential consultation by calling (716) 854-0700 or filling out our online contact form.

Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.