Hit Black Ice.. What To Expect?

Heading east on 84 in Oregon about 6 this morning. Surface was wet, no chain or ice advisories. Trailer was empty and it was very windy so was maintaining. 45-50mph. Other trucks going by had no chains on. Before mm325, it started snowing and sleeting hard and I slowed to 30-35. Long story short, coming downhill at that point I was in the right lane and suddenly was sliding toward the left. Tractor hit the median gravel and the trailer crunched the sleeper behind me. Got the truck restarted and pulled the trailer all the way onto the median as other trucks slid by. One went in the ditch at the bottom of the hill. I was not cited and the truck did not have to be towed. Anybody know how Prime handles these things? I have been sitting ar a truck stop all day with zero word from my Fleet Manager.

So, what you are saying is, the trailer hit the back of the cab of the truck?

I've never driven for Prime, so I don't know how they are going to react.

Any damage to the trailer? Is it a reefer? If so, any damage to the refrigeration unit?

If you hit ice, what is Prime's policy on driving on ice?

They might count it as an "accident," they might not. It might be "at fault," or it might be "not at fault."

Dave

I was not cited and the truck did not have to be towed. Anybody know how Prime handles these things? I have been sitting ar a truck stop all day with zero word from my Fleet Manager.

Did you try calling directly to safety? If you haven't heard from your Fleet Manager by tomorrow morning, that is what I would do.

Since it was just you involved, pretty good chance it might be a un-avoidable instead of preventable accident. Keep your fingers crossed.

Ernie

So, what you are saying is, the trailer hit the back of the cab of the truck?

I've never driven for Prime, so I don't know how they are going to react.

Any damage to the trailer? Is it a reefer? If so, any damage to the refrigeration unit?

If you hit ice, what is Prime's policy on driving on ice?

They might count it as an "accident," they might not. It might be "at fault," or it might be "not at fault."

Dave

Yep... Cab swung left when I hit the gravel and the trailer met my side of the sleeper. Some damage to the side of the trailer and landing gear. I have found no policy on ice driving other than its the driver's decision. Of course since this was ice that was not there one moment and there the next... I didn't get much decision time.

I was not cited and the truck did not have to be towed. Anybody know how Prime handles these things? I have been sitting ar a truck stop all day with zero word from my Fleet Manager.

Did you try calling directly to safety? If you haven't heard from your Fleet Manager by tomorrow morning, that is what I would do.

Since it was just you involved, pretty good chance it might be a un-avoidable instead of preventable accident. Keep your fingers crossed.

Ernie

I called my FM immediately once I got the seat cushion out of my backside. He transferred me to Safety. Spoke with Road Assist also. Am told that they informed dispatch to get me a load through the Salt Lake City terminal. Just no idea when that might materialize.

I was not cited and the truck did not have to be towed. Anybody know how Prime handles these things? I have been sitting ar a truck stop all day with zero word from my Fleet Manager.

Did you try calling directly to safety? If you haven't heard from your Fleet Manager by tomorrow morning, that is what I would do.

Since it was just you involved, pretty good chance it might be a un-avoidable instead of preventable accident. Keep your fingers crossed.

Ernie

I called my FM immediately once I got the seat cushion out of my backside. He transferred me to Safety. Spoke with Road Assist also. Am told that they informed dispatch to get me a load through the Salt Lake City terminal. Just no idea when that might materialize.

That could be good or bad. You might get fired, or they might look at the damage and fix what's broke, or both.

I always hated being routed through a terminal. I'm kind of negative on my outlook on life.

Dave

Whatever happens, happens.

Whatever happens, happens.

This statement is why I left a corporate job, left teaching and I am now trucking.

Well it sounds like you and I were in the exact same situation. They are attempting to get me towed into salt lake city right now. I talked to safety they didn't say I was fired but it's gonna be a hit on my driving record. But things can change.

I'm glad your okay as well, hopefully they will think twice before sending empty trailers down i84 in the future. I think with it being both of us there's a chance it's going to be summed up to weather. I'm sure if I started an hour later in the day I would of been fine. Unfortunately I was trying to get to my appointment.

I was told I will probably have to redo the 2nd phase training is the worse of it. So few more months of team driving.