Safety in Bad Weather: Trucker Rights and Responsibilities

Understanding Federal Regulations

Winter has arrived, and truck drivers are once again confronted with snow-covered, icy roads across various regions of the country. This article delves into your rights as a truck driver when faced with the decision of driving under adverse weather conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding federal regulations that protect you in such situations.

Federal Regulations: Your Guide in Hazardous Conditions

The United States Code of Federal Regulations [49 C.F.R. §392.14] outlines the importance of exercising extreme caution when hazardous conditions impact visibility or traction. This section breaks down the key points of this regulation and its relevance to truck drivers facing challenging weather conditions.

The United States Code of Federal Regulations [49 C.F.R. §392.14] provides valuable guidance for truck drivers when hazardous conditions, such as snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust, or smoke, adversely affect visibility or traction. It emphasizes the need for extreme caution and reduced speed in such conditions. Moreover, it explicitly states that if conditions become sufficiently dangerous, the operation of the commercial motor vehicle shall be discontinued and should not resume until it’s safe to do so.

However, this regulation doesn’t offer a clear-cut test for determining when a driver should cease operations due to bad weather. That’s where the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) steps in to protect the rights of commercial truck drivers.

Under the STAA, employers are prohibited from disciplining or firing a commercial driver for refusing to operate a commercial vehicle on the highways in violation of Federal safety regulations. Additionally, it prohibits discipline or termination when a driver has a “reasonable apprehension” of serious injury to themselves or the public due to the vehicle’s unsafe condition.

Legal Precedents: Cases Involving Weather-Related Safety Refusals

Examining real cases can provide valuable insights into the application of these regulations in practical scenarios. Here, we delve into notable legal cases involving truck drivers who refused to drive due to bad weather and explore the outcomes of these cases.

Cleary v. Flint Ink, Corp. (1996)

Discover the details of Cleary’s case, where a driver’s refusal to drive during a snowstorm led to his termination. Understand the Secretary of Labor’s decision and the importance of reasonableness in such situations.

In Cleary v. Flint Ink, Corp. (1996), a truck driver faced a difficult decision. He was scheduled for a midnight dispatch, but on the morning of his departure, he saw the beginnings of a major snowstorm. A televised weather report predicted heavy snowfall for the area of his scheduled run. Concerned about the adverse weather conditions, the driver contacted his supervisor at 8:15 a.m. and requested a postponement of his run. The supervisor, however, denied the request but offered the option to leave immediately. The driver refused and reiterated his refusal to leave at midnight. Ultimately, he was fired for his refusal to drive.

The Secretary of Labor upheld the firing in this case. While acknowledging that a driver is protected when refusing to drive due to adverse weather conditions, the Secretary found that the driver’s refusal in the Cleary case was not reasonable under the circumstances. In ruling for the employer, the Secretary of Labor stated:

“Given the evidence presented and the changing nature of the weather, it was not reasonable to assume that the roads would be unnavigable 16 hours after [the driver’s] decision not to drive. Cleary should have waited until later in the day to observe the progress of the storm and make his decision based upon the most recent information available.”

Robinson v. Duff Truck Line, Inc. (1993)

Explore the case of Robinson, who faced termination for refusing to drive in bad weather conditions. Learn about the Secretary of Labor’s rejection of the carrier’s argument and its implications for drivers.

In the case of Robinson v. Duff Truck Line, Inc. (1993), a motor carrier fired a driver because the driver did not even attempt to drive in what he claimed was bad weather. The carrier argued that the language in the regulations that says “the operation of the commercial motor vehicle shall be discontinued” when weather is sufficiently hazardous meant that the driver must at least start a run before refusing to drive due to hazardous weather.

The driver, Robinson, testified that television stations issued weather warnings advising against driving on the highways which were on his route due to icy conditions. Based on this, he refused to drive, and the carrier fired him.

The Secretary of Labor rejected the carrier’s argument that a driver must at least begin his run before he can refuse to drive due to bad weather, stating that it would create an absurd situation of drivers being compelled to take their vehicles at least out of the terminal gate.

The Importance of Safety: The Driver’s Responsibility

While understanding your legal rights is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize your responsibility as a truck driver when making the judgment call about whether or not to drive under certain weather conditions. Ensuring safety on the road is a shared responsibility between you and your employer.

Prioritizing Safety: Key Considerations for Truck Drivers

1. Evaluate Conditions at the Start: As a truck driver, you have the right to refuse to start work if the weather is hazardous at the scheduled start time. If conditions at or near your starting point are unsafe, it’s within your rights to delay your departure until conditions improve.

2. Avoid Unreasonable Speculation: Speculating about future road conditions beyond a few hours is unreasonable. Base your decisions on real-time information and observations rather than assuming what the weather might be like later in the day.

3. Rely on Reliable Sources: When assessing weather conditions, rely on credible sources of information. Monitor weather reports from reputable sources, listen to advisories on the radio, and stay updated on road closures and conditions from the Department of Transportation or Highway Patrol.

4. Peer Input: If possible, seek input from other drivers who are currently on the road or have recently traveled the same route. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the current state of road conditions.

5. Effective Communication: It’s essential to communicate your concerns effectively with your employer or dispatcher. Clearly convey the facts that led you to believe that it would be unsafe to operate a commercial vehicle on the highways. Timely and honest communication is key.

Seeking Remedies Under the STAA

In the unfortunate event that your employer unlawfully disciplines or fires you for refusing to drive in dangerous weather, it is possible to seek legal remedies under the STAA. First steps may include contacting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and seeking legal counsel. 

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety

By understanding federal regulations, the STAA, legal precedents, practical guidelines, and the shared responsibility for safety, you can navigate challenging weather situations while ensuring your safety, the safety of others, and protecting your rights as a professional truck driver.

As always, please drive safely, knowing that your decisions in the face of challenging weather conditions are legally protected. As a responsible truck driver, it’s essential to strike a balance between your rights and your responsibilities to ensure the safety of yourself, your cargo, and the safety of others on the road. By staying informed, making well-reasoned decisions, and effectively communicating your concerns, you can navigate adverse weather conditions with confidence and integrity.