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Big Rigs Face Challenges in Wet Conditions
Big Rigs Face Challenges in Wet Conditions 1/9/13
Matt Rist
CBS 7 News Reporter
January 9, 2013
mrist@cbs7.com
Rain and asphalt--it's a mix that caught many drivers by surprise today. One 18-wheeler on i-20 jack-knifed and crashed over the side of the bridge. Another blocked the westbound lane for more than an hour.
"Days like today, with the rain, you get a lot of slick spots, so we want the community to slow down, that's the main thing,” said Paramedic Training Captain Saul Ortego.
Drivers of 18-wheelers say that driving in wet conditions can be difficult, even dangerous. They say cars and trucks are the biggest causes of 18-wheeler accidents."
"People think we have big wheels and that means we can stop faster,” said CDL Driver Channing Pinkerton.
Fire officials say big rigs are more likely to roll over than any other type of vehicle--which is why the state certifies truck drivers.
For Pinkerton, staying safe is as simple as paying attention.
"You get people driving, talking, texting, they get in the zone and don't pay attention," Pinkerton said.