MEDFORD, Ore.,-NewsWatch 12 talked to a few truckers that told us that while they do make some adjustments for rough weather conditions, they are still out on the road regardless of the weather.
Heavy rains can decrease visibility. Rain can lead to roadways flooding and increase the chances of hydroplaning.
A truck driver here said that driving in rain is more dangerous if his truck is empty. That's because a loaded down truck makes it heavier and less likely to slide.
Another trucker told me that it's not heavy rains that he minds, but when the heavy rains are at nighttime.
"I don't like driving at night, especially in the wintertime because the conditions change and it gets really a lot colder on the roadway and there could be black ice or anything else," says Frank from Leavitt's Freight Service.
High speed winds can be a concern for trucks too, more so than cars. Since trailer or compartments are not aerodynamic, winds can shake trucks to the point where driving with winds could be a risk.
Frank says he'll go whatever speed he feels the safest, even if he has to slow down to 10 miles per hour.
He always makes sure to leave extra space in front of him for cars to go around him but it's important to not switch lanes too closely in front of a truck. It takes them a long time to stop or slow, and even longer in the rain.
