The Impact of Weather on Trucking – How Drivers Can Stay Safe

The U.S. trucking industry is the backbone of the nation’s supply chain, moving over 70% of all freight by weight. While trucks are built to handle long distances and heavy loads, they are not immune to the powerful influence of weather. From heavy snowstorms in the Midwest to hurricanes in the Southeast and blistering heat in the Southwest, weather events have a direct impact on safety, efficiency, and operating costs.

Weather and Trucking Safety Risks

Snow and Ice

Winter weather remains the single most dangerous seasonal threat for truck drivers. Snow, sleet, and ice drastically reduce traction, making it harder for trucks to maintain control, especially when carrying loads of 40,000 pounds or more. The hidden danger of black ice—a thin, invisible layer of frozen water—poses an extreme risk because it is difficult to detect until it’s too late.

The FHWA reports that 24% of weather-related crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement. This statistic underlines the importance of preparing for winter roads. Even experienced drivers are vulnerable when braking distances increase, visibility decreases, and wind gusts create unpredictable hazards.

Safety techniques for snow and ice driving include:

• Equipping trucks with winter tires or tire chains to maximize grip.
• Reducing speed and increasing following distance to allow more reaction time.
• Using engine braking instead of relying solely on service brakes to minimize the risk of skidding.
• Keeping emergency supplies on board, such as de-icing agents, blankets, and extra fuel reserves.

Fog

Fog presents a different but equally dangerous challenge: limited visibility. In dense fog, reaction times shrink, and drivers may only have a few seconds to respond to sudden obstacles such as stalled vehicles, wildlife, or debris on the road. The risk of multi-vehicle collisions increases significantly when drivers are unable to see brake lights or road signs until the last moment.

Key safety practices in fog include:

• Using low-beam headlights or fog lights to reduce glare and improve road visibility.
• Activating hazard lights to increase the truck’s visibility to others.
• Maintaining a greater following distance than usual to provide adequate stopping space.
• Avoiding unnecessary lane changes or sudden braking.

Truck drivers must resist the temptation to “push through” fog at normal speeds. Slowing down and allowing extra time for delivery is always the safer option.

Heavy Rain

Rain may seem less threatening than snow, but statistically, it contributes to the majority of weather-related crashes in the United States. FHWA data shows that rain accounts for 70% of weather-related accidents, largely because of reduced visibility and hydroplaning risks.

For trucks, the danger lies in the sheer surface area of tires and the heavy load, both of which make hydroplaning more difficult to control. Water on the road reduces friction, increasing the likelihood of sliding or losing steering control.

Safety measures during heavy rain include:

• Reducing speed to prevent hydroplaning and maintain tire contact with the road.
• Using windshield wipers and defrosters effectively to preserve visibility.
• Avoiding sharp turns or sudden braking, which can cause skidding or jackknifing.
• Increasing following distance to allow extra time for braking on wet surfaces.

High Winds

Strong winds—especially crosswinds—pose a unique hazard for high-profile trucks. Empty trailers, in particular, act like sails and are more vulnerable to being blown off balance. Even a sudden gust can push a truck into another lane or, in extreme cases, cause a rollover.

Techniques for handling high winds include:

• Reducing speed to maintain stability and control.
• Keeping both hands firmly on the steering wheel.
• Being cautious on bridges, overpasses, and open plains, where winds are strongest.
• Avoiding driving next to other high-profile vehicles, which may also be destabilized by gusts.

High winds require constant vigilance because they can change direction without warning, especially in mountainous or coastal areas.

Lack of Sunlight

Shorter days in fall and winter mean truck drivers spend more hours driving in the dark. Reduced sunlight affects visibility, alertness, and overall driver safety. Darkness limits depth perception and makes it harder to identify hazards such as pedestrians, wildlife, or stalled vehicles.

Furthermore, long stretches of night driving can negatively affect a driver’s mental and physical stamina, increasing fatigue.

Practical steps for drivers include:

• Adjusting delivery schedules to minimize late-night driving when possible.
• Using reflective gear and ensuring truck lights are fully functional.
• Planning for wider transit windows to account for slower driving in poor visibility conditions.

Shippers and logistics managers should also account for shorter days by building flexibility into schedules and avoiding strict deadlines that encourage unsafe driving practices.

Extreme Cold

When temperatures plunge into the -10°F to -30°F range, trucks face risks beyond slippery roads. Cold weather can lead to diesel gelling, frozen brakes, and weakened batteries. Mechanical breakdowns in sub-zero temperatures are not just costly—they can also endanger the driver’s safety if stranded far from services.

Extreme cold also reduces a driver’s efficiency under the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Extra time spent warming engines, performing safety checks, or waiting out storms means fewer productive hours on the road.

Preparation tips for extreme cold include:

• Using diesel additives to prevent fuel gelling.
• Equipping trucks with engine block heaters to keep engines running smoothly.
• Regularly inspecting brakes, batteries, and heating systems before trips.
• Stocking emergency cold-weather supplies, including insulated gloves, food, water, and blankets.

Extreme Heat

While most trucking risks are associated with winter, extreme heat is equally dangerous in southern and desert states. High pavement temperatures increase the risk of tire blowouts, while overheated engines can lead to costly breakdowns and delays. Drivers themselves face the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration during long hours on the road.

Preventive measures for extreme heat include:

• Staying hydrated and taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Monitoring tire pressure, as heat causes it to fluctuate more rapidly.
• Watching for signs of engine overheating and conducting regular coolant checks.
• Scheduling more frequent rest breaks to prevent fatigue caused by heat stress.

Operational and Logistical Challenges

Weather does not just pose immediate safety risks; it also creates widespread operational and logistical difficulties for trucking companies, drivers, and shippers. When storms, floods, or extreme temperatures strike, the entire supply chain can grind to a halt. Deliveries slow down, costs increase, and customers grow frustrated. Understanding these challenges helps companies plan ahead and minimize disruptions.

Road Closures

One of the most severe logistical problems caused by weather is road closures.

• Blizzards in the Midwest and Northeast can shut down interstates for days at a time. Major trucking corridors such as I-80 and I-90 are especially prone to closures during heavy snowfalls.
• Hurricanes and tropical storms in the Southeast bring widespread flooding, downed power lines, and washed-out bridges. These conditions force drivers to seek alternate routes—or stop altogether until authorities reopen roads.
• Flooding in river valleys can create long-term closures, especially on rural routes that lack adequate drainage systems.

When these closures occur, drivers are forced onto detours that may add hundreds of miles to a single trip. Not only does this increase fuel consumption, but it also leads to longer delivery times and higher labor costs. Carriers must absorb the impact, and in some cases, those costs are passed on to shippers or customers.

Slower Speeds

Even when roads remain open, safety protocols require drivers to reduce speed in adverse conditions. Snow, ice, rain, and fog all demand more cautious driving, which naturally lengthens travel times.

For example:

• A route that normally takes 10 hours in clear weather may stretch to 12–14 hours when snow or heavy rain reduces average speeds by 15–25 mph.
• Mountain passes can become especially slow, as drivers must crawl uphill in low gear to maintain control and traction.

The problem is compounded by customer expectations. In today’s market, where next-day and two-day shipping have become the norm, delays due to weather can cause frustration at every stage of the supply chain. Carriers must carefully manage communication with shippers and clients to set realistic expectations and avoid conflict when delays are unavoidable.

Traffic Jams

Weather-related accidents often trigger massive traffic congestion. When a truck jackknifes on icy pavement or a multi-vehicle crash occurs in heavy fog, highways can remain blocked for hours. Each delay ripples outward, affecting dozens of other drivers stuck behind the incident.

For the trucking industry, this means:

• Unreliable delivery schedules, especially for time-sensitive freight like groceries or pharmaceuticals.
• Increased fuel consumption, as trucks idle in long lines of traffic.
• Lost productivity, with drivers burning valuable Hours of Service (HOS) time while stationary.

Traffic congestion caused by weather is particularly common in urban areas where roads are already saturated. A single snowstorm in Chicago or a flood in Houston can disrupt freight movement across entire regions.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Perhaps the most far-reaching effect of adverse weather is its impact on supply chain stability. The trucking industry underpins modern just-in-time (JIT) delivery systems, which means even small delays can cause serious ripple effects.

Key issues include:

• Just-in-time delivery delays: Manufacturers and retailers rely on precise delivery schedules to avoid excess inventory. A single late shipment of raw materials can delay production lines or leave store shelves empty.
• Capacity constraints: When conditions are severe, many carriers suspend operations, reducing available trucking capacity. This forces shippers to compete for limited space, often at inflated rates.
• Seasonal case studies:
  
  • Midwest blizzards frequently shut down grain and manufacturing shipments in states like Minnesota and Wisconsin.
  • Southeastern hurricanes force large-scale evacuations and create bottlenecks in freight hubs such as Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Houston.

For shippers and receivers, the solution lies in flexibility and communication. Providing carriers with advance notice of loads, widening pickup and delivery windows, and building in contingency plans can help minimize the damage caused by sudden weather disruptions.

Mitigation Strategies for Trucking Companies

While weather cannot be controlled, its effects can be managed through proactive planning, technology integration, and driver training. Leading trucking companies already invest heavily in strategies that keep drivers and freight moving, even when conditions are far from ideal.

Weather Monitoring

Modern fleets rely on real-time GPS systems integrated with advanced weather forecasting tools. These allow dispatchers and drivers to monitor approaching storms, road closures, and hazardous areas.

• Proactive rerouting: When a blizzard closes I-80 in Wyoming or a hurricane floods highways in Florida, software can instantly provide alternative routes.
• Driver alerts: In-cab telematics systems notify drivers of upcoming weather risks, giving them more time to adjust.

Driver Training

Technology is only as effective as the driver using it. This makes specialized training essential:

• Handling snow, ice, and fog safely.
• Reducing speed and maintaining control during high winds.
• Emergency protocols for breakdowns or accidents caused by severe weather.

Drivers who are trained in weather-specific safety practices are significantly less likely to be involved in weather-related crashes.

Fleet Upgrades

Weather resilience also comes from investing in better equipment:

• Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control improve stability on slick surfaces.
• Winterization tools: Diesel additives, block heaters, and de-icing fluids keep engines functional in extreme cold.
• Durable tires: Heat-resistant tires for desert routes and winter tires with deeper treads for northern climates.

These upgrades reduce downtime, minimize maintenance costs, and keep trucks safer in harsh environments.

Supply Chain Flexibility

Rigid supply chains collapse under the pressure of bad weather. Building flexibility into logistics ensures continuity:

• Buffer stocks: Warehouses carry extra inventory to handle late deliveries.
• Backup carriers: Contracts with multiple trucking providers reduce dependency on a single fleet.
• LTL/FTL consolidation: Combining less-than-truckload shipments can reduce the number of vehicles exposed to dangerous conditions.
• Flexible pickup and drop-off windows: Allowing a 12–24-hour buffer improves safety without significantly impacting customers.

Communication Systems

Communication is vital when weather strikes. Advanced dispatch centers provide constant updates to drivers, while two-way communication allows drivers to request assistance.

• 24/7 driver support lines: Ensure drivers have immediate help in emergencies.
• Real-time tracking: Keeps shippers and receivers informed of delays, reducing disputes over late deliveries.

Clear communication keeps the supply chain functional even when conditions are unpredictable.

Emergency Preparedness

Every truck should carry emergency supplies to protect drivers during extended delays:

• Onboard kits: Blankets, food, water, flashlights, tire chains, and first-aid kits.
• Fuel reserve management: Drivers are encouraged to keep tanks above half-full in case detours or road closures extend trip times.

Preparedness can mean the difference between an inconvenience and a life-threatening situation.

Collaboration with Authorities

Carriers that maintain close contact with local, state, and federal authorities gain a critical edge in safety and efficiency.

• Road closure alerts: Departments of Transportation issue real-time updates that help fleets adjust routes instantly.
• Safety partnerships: Industry associations often provide weather-specific training and resources.
• Emergency coordination: During hurricanes or blizzards, fleets may collaborate with FEMA or state agencies to assist with recovery efforts.

This collaboration ensures that trucking companies remain part of the solution, not just victims of weather disruptions.

Practical Safety Tips for Drivers

While fleet upgrades, dispatch systems, and supply chain adjustments are vital, the last line of defense is always the driver. Truckers must apply consistent safety practices on the road to mitigate the risks posed by weather. Below are essential tips every driver should adopt year-round.

Maintain Safe Following Distances

Stopping distances for trucks are already longer than for passenger vehicles. Add rain, snow, or ice, and the distance needed to stop safely increases dramatically. Drivers should:

• Double or even triple following distances during storms.
• Avoid tailgating, even when traffic is heavy, to ensure enough reaction time.
• Anticipate sudden stops by vehicles ahead, particularly in poor visibility conditions.

Reduce Speed in All Adverse Conditions

Speed reduction is the single most effective way to reduce crash risk in poor weather.

• In heavy rain, slowing down minimizes hydroplaning.
• On icy roads, reduced speed allows more control during turns and descents.
• In fog or at night, lower speeds buy precious reaction time when hazards appear suddenly.

Use Hazard Lights and Fog Lights Appropriately

Visibility is critical during weather events.

• Fog lights or low beams improve visibility without creating glare in foggy conditions.
• Hazard lights increase truck visibility when moving significantly slower than surrounding traffic or when pulled over.
• High beams should be avoided in rain, fog, or snow, as they reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility further.

Avoid Sudden Braking or Sharp Turns

Sudden maneuvers are especially dangerous on wet or icy surfaces.

• Gentle braking and gradual steering inputs maintain tire grip.
• Engine braking can be used on icy roads to reduce reliance on service brakes.
• Wide, deliberate turns reduce the risk of trailer swing or jackknifing.

Monitor Weather Apps Before and During Trips

Modern technology gives drivers real-time updates.

• Weather apps and GPS-integrated alerts warn of upcoming storms or road closures.
• Dispatch centers should supplement these with direct communication to drivers.
• Checking forecasts before starting a route ensures drivers are mentally and logistically prepared.

Know When to Pull Over

Sometimes the safest decision is not to drive at all.

• If visibility drops to near zero or roads become impassable, pulling over protects both driver and cargo.
• Truck stops, rest areas, or designated emergency pull-offs are the safest places to wait out conditions.

Seasonal Vehicle Checklist

Preventive maintenance tailored to the season reduces roadside breakdowns:

• Winter: Inspect tires, wipers, heating systems, engine block heaters, and antifreeze.
• Summer: Check air conditioning, tire pressure, coolant, and brakes for heat resistance.
• Year-round: Maintain lights, defrosters, and emergency equipment such as tire chains and fire extinguishers.