Each winter, drivers across Henry, Coweta, Clayton, Fayette, and Spalding Counties brace for the
same challenge: cold, icy, and slick Georgia roads mixed in with a heavy presence of tractor-
trailer traffic along our most-traveled roads. Interstates 75 and 85, as well as our local state
highways like GA-16, GA-20, and GA-138, become especially hazardous when freezing
temperatures collide with the uncontrolled movement of an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler.
While Georgia does not see the same level of snow as northern states, winter in the South still
brings black ice, freezing rain, fog, and sudden temperature drops, all of which significantly
affect the handling and braking of tractor-trailers. Unfortunately, this seasonal shift contributes to
serious crashes in the communities where we live and work.
Statewide Trucking Trends Reflect Local Dangers
Although overall Georgia fatalities have decreased, according to a report released by the
Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Georgia remains ranked as the state with the 4th-highest
traffic fatalities. This represents a slight decrease from prior years. Still, large-truck collisions
remain a persistent hazard on high-speed corridors, including those running through Henry,
Coweta, Clayton, and Spalding counties.
When winter weather is factored in, these risks increase. Tractor-trailers require longer braking
distances, have poorer maneuverability, and are more susceptible to jackknifing or rolling over
on slick pavement.
Why Winter Makes Tractor-Trailer Crashes Worse in Our Local Counties
1. Henry County: One of Georgia’s Top Freight Corridors
Henry County, particularly the McDonough and Stockbridge areas, is one of the busiest freight-
movement hubs in the Southeastern United States. I-75 experiences heavy daily truck traffic as
communities south of Atlanta continue to grow rapidly and more goods are imported into
Georgia’s ports.
Several reminders while out on Henry County roads are that cold mornings can create:
- Black ice on bridges over I-75 and I-675
- Rapid temperature shifts make early-morning fog common
- Congestion that amplifies chain-reaction crashes with tractor-trailers
2. Spalding, Clayton, and Coweta County: Long Rural Stretches Create High-Speed Hazards
Coweta’s mix of rural highways and fast-moving I-85 traffic often means truck drivers travel at
higher speeds. Rural regions continue to have the highest rate of speeding-related fatal crashes.
3. Fayette County: Suburban Traffic and Cut-Through Truck Routes
Although Fayette County is mainly suburban, several key cut-through routes experience constant
semi-truck traffic. In addition, during the winter months, early-morning fog and shaded roadways
can create sudden ice patches, increasing the risk of serious crashes. These hazards are especially concerning in and around Peachtree City, where numerous golf cart paths intersect roadways, creating additional risk when large trucks are unfamiliar with the area.
How Cold Weather Affects Tractor-Trailer Performance
To understand why winter truck accidents can be so severe, it is essential to know how cold weather impacts a semi-truck on the road. All these factors underscore the importance of practicing winter-ready defensive driving when sharing the road with these large trucks.
1. Longer Stopping Distances
A fully loaded tractor-trailer needs 20–40% more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle on
dry roads. On icy pavement, that number can more than double.
2. Reduced Tire Traction
Truck tires stiffen in colder temperatures, reducing their grip. Even a thin layer of moisture can
cause a truck to slide.
3. Visibility Problems
For drivers traveling near a tractor-trailer, limited visibility from fog or freezing rain makes it
harder to anticipate lane changes or wide turns. This means it will be harder to see brake lights,
lane markers, and reflective road signs.
4. Higher Risk of Jackknifing
Jackknifing occurs when the trailer swings out away from the cab. Ice is a leading cause of these
incidents.
How Drivers Can Stay Safe Around 18-Wheelers During Georgia’s Cold Months
While we cannot control truck drivers’ decisions and actions, we can significantly reduce our risk
by following proven safety practices.
1. Increase Following Distance
Stay at least 6–8 seconds behind larger trucks, and increase the distance when visibility is
reduced by fog, freezing rain, or other conditions. Trucks obstruct your view, and tailgating
reduces reaction time.
2. Avoid Blind Spots
While truck drivers are professional drivers, they don’t always adhere to safety requirements or
training (when training is provided). Although you have every right to use the roadway on either
side of a tractor-trailer, and while the truck driver should know to account for blind spots, they
sometimes don’t. Even though the truck driver is ultimately responsible, it is always safest to assume they won’t do as the law requires in this regard. A good rule of thumb is: if you cannot see the truck driver’s mirrors, they most likely cannot see you.
3. Pass Carefully and Never Cut In
Big rigs require longer stopping distances. Cutting in front of one, especially on icy highways,
can be fatal.
4. Watch for Wide Turns
Tractor-trailers often turn from the middle lane or swing wide. Never attempt to squeeze between
a turning semi and the curb.
5. Reduce Speed During Winter Conditions
Even if other cars are speeding, slow down when temperatures drop near freezing. Many of
Georgia’s worst winter crashes involve drivers failing to adjust their speed.
6. Beware of Black Ice on Bridges & Overpasses
Trucks can lose control quickly on black ice; drivers should maintain extra distance. Black ice is
most common:
- at sunrise
- overnight
- on shaded highways
- on bridges, which freeze before roads
Final Thoughts: Staying Safe This Winter
The combination of winter conditions and heavy tractor-trailer traffic makes South Metro Atlanta
counties particularly vulnerable to serious big truck crashes. While Georgia’s statewide fatality
numbers improved in 2023, big-truck incidents remain a pressing concern.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by an 18-wheeler, call Southside
Injury Attorneys (866-982-5295) today for a free consultation and visit our truck accidents page for more information.
