Snow, sleet and ice storms in North Carolina are creating a new and very dangerous hazard from tractor-trailers: break away ice blocks, also called ice missiles.
An ice missile is a large sheet or block of ice that breaks loose from a commercial truck while it is traveling at highway speeds. When that ice strikes another vehicle, the results can be sudden, violent, and devastating, and often leads to serious injuries or death from accidents caused by the ice missiles.
WHY IS ICE ACCUMULATION ON A TRUCK DANGEROUS?
Accumulated ice on a tractor trailer is especially dangerous because of the propensity for the ice to break loose from the vibrations of the truck, or with sudden breaking, or changes in temperature. Once the sheet of ice breaks lose it launches with significant speed, which is why they are referred to as ice missiles.
Ice missiles are dangerous because they often strike following vehicles with no warning, and at rapid speeds. Traveling on I-40, I-85, I-95, or I-77 in a winter storm is very dangerous because of reduced visibility, slick road surfaces, and now ice missiles.
Ice missiles can cause serious accidents or death when they collide with another vehicle and often there is a:
- shattering of its windshields,
- obstructing a driver’s vision instantly,
- causing a driver to swerve or brake suddenly,
- and triggering multi-vehicle chain collision crashes.
Tractor-trailers are larger and sit higher than sedan or SUV vehicles, and ice missiles will therefore strike with great force.
Is a Truck Driver or Trucking Company Responsible for Ice that falls ofF its truck and causes an accident?
Commercial truck drivers have a duty of care to safely operate their tractor-trailers drivers and are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. The FMCSA applies to commercial truck drivers and trucking companies’ operation on North Carolina highways.
The FMCA forbids unsafe operation and provides that a motor vehicle shall not operate in any condition that is likely to cause an accident under Federal Regulation 49 CFR § 396.7.
Accumulated snow or ice on a truck creates danger and risk to other motorists. A truck driver’s failure to inspect the truck and remove accumulated snow or ice, or failure to delay travel until able to remove the ice or allow it to melt, may expose the driver or trucking company to liability if someone is injured.
Hire a TRUCK Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. The dedicated truck accident lawyers of Grimes Yeoman, PLLC, can gather evidence, negotiate with adjusters, and advocate for your interests.
If you’re wondering, “Is a truck driver or trucking company responsible for a sheet of ice or ice missile that hits my car and injures me?” Our team can help you better understand the state’s accident laws and how they affect your rights and obligations. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
