There was a deadly crash in San Antonio, Texas on July 18, 2024. According to reports, a flatbed pickup truck was traveling westbound on Loop 1604 when it hyrdroplaned. The truck hit a highway sign before rolling over. The driver of the vehicle was killed in the accident, and a passenger taken to a local hospital. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this loss.
Hydroplaning is a significant risk for vehicles, particularly for flatbed pickup trucks, which can experience loss of traction when driving on wet roads. One primary cause of hydroplaning is the presence of standing water on the roadway. When a vehicle encounters more water than its tires can scatter, the water pressure in the front of the tire pushes water under the tire, causing it to lose contact with the road surface. Flatbed pickup trucks, with their often uneven weight distribution and larger surface area, can be especially susceptible to hydroplaning in such conditions. Drivers must be vigilant during and after heavy rain, ensuring they reduce speed to mitigate this risk.
Another contributing factor to hydroplaning is the condition of the tires. Worn tires with insufficient tread depth are less effective at channeling water away from the tire’s surface, significantly increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning. For flatbed pickup trucks, which often carry heavy loads, maintaining tire health is crucial. The added weight can exacerbate the problem if tires are not in good condition. Regular tire inspections and replacements when tread depth becomes too shallow are essential preventative measures to maintain optimal traction on wet roads.
Vehicle speed plays a critical role in hydroplaning incidents. As speed increases, the tires have less time to channel water away from the surface, and the likelihood of hydroplaning rises dramatically. Flatbed pickup trucks, which might be driven at higher speeds on highways or during deliveries, need to be particularly cautious. Reducing speed during wet conditions is one of the most effective ways to prevent hydroplaning. Drivers should adjust their speed to match the severity of the road conditions, staying well below the usual speed limits when necessary.
Finally, improper tire inflation can also lead to hydroplaning. Both under-inflated and over-inflated tires compromise a vehicle’s ability to maintain good road contact. Under-inflated tires have a larger surface area in contact with the road, making it more difficult to push water away. Over-inflated tires, on the other hand, have a smaller contact patch, which reduces traction. For flatbed pickup trucks, maintaining the correct tire pressure is vital, as the varying loads they carry can affect tire performance. Regularly checking and adjusting tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations can help ensure that the vehicle maintains optimal contact with the road, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. There was a crash involving multiple 18-wheelers near Port Allen, Louisiana on June 30, 2024. An 18-wheeler struck another vehicle while attempting to make a left turn from the center lane in Amarillo, Texas on July 2, 2024. An 18-wheeler collided with a stalled vehicle on Loop 610 North in Houston, Texas on July 3, 2024. There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler in Lubbock County, Texas on July 5, 2024. A Peterbilt Cement Truck rear-ended another vehicle near Midland, Texas on July 12, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving catastrophic auto and bus accidents. Our attorneys have extensive experience and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in a trucking or commercial vehicle accident.
The experienced accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have previously been involved in similar cases and can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was involved in an accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.