In an Ohio winter, drivers need to always be prepared for snow, ice, high winds, and reduced visibility. The state’s location and weather patterns make it prone to rapid changes and intense winter storm events that can develop and move through quickly, giving little warning before impacting an area. At other times, Ohio can experience intrusions of Arctic air that create hazardous winter driving conditions for days at a time.
Whether it’s a sudden storm or a forecasted weather event like a polar vortex that strikes, Ohio drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their vehicles and ensuring that they are safe to operate at all times—regardless of the weather conditions.
In addition to following Ohio state law about winter weather driving, large commercial trucks are subject to federal regulations about operating in adverse conditions such as snow, ice, sleet, rain, and fog. Failure to meet these standards can lead to liability if an accident occurs.
Ohio Ranks Near Top for Winter Weather Accidents
Ohio consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for winter driving. As we wrote about in a previous post, more than 400 drivers were killed in winter weather car accidents from 2011 to 2015.
The heightened safety standards for commercial trucks in bad weather reflect the increased risks associated with operating these large vehicles in challenging conditions.
A recent study named Ohio the fourth-worst state for winter driving fatalities, with 172 deaths over the five-year period ending in 2017. According to the study, I-71—a major trucking route that connects Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati— had the most winter driving deaths, followed by I-70, I-80, SR-67, and I-76, which also see a significant amount of large truck traffic.
On average, Ohio experiences 34 deaths, 6,062 injuries, and 22,394 crashes per year because of icy road conditions. Here’s an updated breakdown of annual winter weather crashes in Ohio based on OSHP data and reported by the Dayton Daily News:
- 2022: 18,347 total crashes on snow, ice or slush-covered roads, with 215 crashes resulting in serious injuries and 30 accidents resulting in 37 deaths.
- 2021: 11,905 winter weather crashes, including 154 serious injuries and 27 fatalities.
- 2020: 29 deadly winter crashes.
- 2019: 19,844 crashes on slick winter roads, causing 251 serious injury crashes and 40 deaths.
- 2018: 18,609 wintry condition crashes resulting in 233 serious injury crashes and 40 fatalities.
The data shows that 13% of fatal Ohio crashes occur in bad weather conditions, making it the ninth most dangerous bad weather driving state in the U.S. This figure covers accidents in winter weather and other severe weather like rain and thunderstorms.
State and Federal Winter Driving Laws for Large Commercial Trucks
Around 1 in 4 weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement, says the Federal Highway Administration.
While not specific to commercial vehicles, this highlights the significant danger these conditions pose. FHWA also notes that 70% of US roads are in areas that experience winter weather, meaning that a large portion of truck routes are potentially hazardous.
Ohio has its own laws for winter driving conditions. They include requirements for drivers to remove snow from their vehicles before hitting the road, turning on their headlights whenever their windshield wipers are on, adjusting speed to account for road conditions, increasing following distance on bad roads, and keeping tires in good working order.
Large commercial trucks must follow Ohio laws and federal regulations about driving in bad weather.
The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that icy, snowy, or wet roadways do not excuse drivers from losing control behind the wheel. At all times, and in all conditions, drivers must obey all driving safety laws and refrain from actions (or inaction) that might be considered negligent.
Winter conditions pose a heightened risk for commercial trucks—and the vehicles that share the road with them—due to a combination of factors that include reduced traction, increased stopping distance, and mechanical issues. These risks can be further exacerbated by the unique challenges that truckers can face as they navigate the ordinary job stresses of long travel times, fatigue, and meeting delivery deadlines.
The trucking industry is highly regulated, and some of these regulations are specifically designed to ensure the safety of large commercial trucks operating in bad weather. Federal rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) include:
- Extreme Caution Requirement: Drivers must exercise “extreme caution” in adverse conditions, such as snow, ice, sleet, or heavy rain. This includes reducing speed below the posted limit and increasing following distances.
- Stopping When Unsafe: If conditions make driving unsafe, FMCSA regulations require drivers to pull over and stop until conditions improve. Continuing to drive in hazardous conditions could lead to regulatory and legal repercussions.
- Pre-Trip Inspections: Drivers must ensure their vehicles are equipped and roadworthy for winter driving. Tires, brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and defrost systems should be in good working order.
- Prohibition Against Coercion: Employers cannot force drivers to operate in unsafe conditions or penalize them for refusing to do so.
- Hours of Service Flexibility: In emergencies caused by unexpected adverse weather, drivers may be eligible for exemptions from Hours-of-Service rules. However, safety must not be compromised in the process.
- Use of Appropriate Equipment: FMCSA encourages the use of winter-specific equipment, such as chains, snow tires, and anti-lock braking systems, especially in regions prone to heavy snow or ice. Drivers must comply with state and local chain laws when required.
- Training and Awareness: Employers are responsible for training drivers on how to handle hazardous weather, including techniques for managing skids, braking on icy roads, and maintaining vehicle control.
Slow Down, Keep Calm, and Call Graham Law
Commercial drivers are held to a higher safety standard in winter weather based on the increased risks associated with operating large trucks in challenging conditions. This heightened standard is reflected in state laws, federal regulations, and the expectation of professional responsibility
When a truck accident occurs in bad weather, a commercial driver and their employer could be held liable if it is determined that they did not meet these safety standards. Bad weather is not a valid legal excuse for causing an accident.
Being prepared for winter driving conditions means giving yourself extra time to get to your destination, winterizing your vehicle, and keeping our contact information close at hand for whenever and wherever you need it.
