No matter the season, trucking is a demanding job. Add a snowstorm and black ice into the mix, and the difficulty intensifies. Conditions can escalate dangerously, and your safety should always be prioritized.
Here are some tips to make your job driving a truck through winter weather less hazardous and more enjoyable.
1 - Slow Down
This may sound like a given, but its importance cannot be overstated.
Defensive driving is key to the safety of everybody on the road— including yourself. Driving the speed appropriate for conditions is a simple but important component of navigating blustery weather. When it comes down to personal safety or your delivery time, always choose to play it safe.
2 - Use Your Best Judgement
Truckers are some of the most skilled drivers out there. Part of being an adept driver is knowing the limitations of your vehicle and yourself.
If hazardous weather appears, it may be smartest to safely pull off of and away from the road as soon as you get the chance. Remember, do not stop along the shoulder; since visibility is already limited, this increases your chances of getting hit. Instead, activate your hazard lights, take the right-hand lane, and pull off the road.
If you are parked and would prefer to stay that way, simply call your dispatcher and explain the circumstances. Your delivery can more than likely be rescheduled due to inclement weather.
3 - Supply Yourself Well
In case you do need to stop, be sure to have the right items to make your situation as comfortable as possible until conditions improve.
Some recommended supplies are:
- Your emergency kit
- A spare phone charger
- A flashlight
- A shovel
- A bag of salt/sand
- Extra warm clothing like thick socks, sweatshirts, a winter coat, snow pants, snow boots, insulated gloves, hats, etc.
- Hand warmers
- Plenty of food and water
- A hammer and putty knife for easy removal of snow caked on air tanks.
- Cat litter - this may sound surprising, but dispersing cat litter underneath your truck’s tires when you are parked is a fantastic way to gain some traction when you decide it’s safe to get moving.
4 - Ensure Your Equipment is up to Standards Before Departure
Be extra careful when conducting your pre-trip inspection. But generally, be sure to:
- Double check your brakes and tires (including tire pressure).
- Ensure that your tire chains meet your jurisdiction’s requirements and are in strong, dependable condition.
- Make sure that your headlights, taillights, turn signals, and hazards are functioning properly and clean.
- Replace windshield wiper blades and fluid as needed. Be sure to top off your anti-freeze too.
- Check the condition of your truck’s battery.
- Use an anti-gel additive in your tank to prevent fuel from freezing.
- Stay up to date with your system inspections including the cooling system and air dryer.
5 - Remain Cautious of Black Ice
Even if snow coverage is minimal, drivers should always remain vigilant and on the lookout for black ice, especially when temperatures are hovering just slightly above or below 32 °F.
When driving across a bridge, overpass, or anywhere near a body of water, your risk of encountering black ice is increased. If your truck begins to skid, first remember the general rule— don’t brake. Instead, remove your foot from the gas so your truck can gradually decelerate.
Keeping a safe following distance will also help you in this situation. More space means more time to get your truck under control. In addition to improved control, you also broaden your margin for error when you increase the distance between your truck and other vehicles.
Do your best to keep your wheel straight, maintain your focus, and if possible, find some snow covered/textured ground to help you regain some traction.
6 - Avoid Sudden and Harsh Maneuvers
Whenever possible try to plan ahead so you and the drivers around you have plenty of reaction time. Any severe or abrupt maneuvers will decrease your traction. Take things slow and gradually. If you know you’ll be approaching a lane change in a few miles, begin preparing for it sooner than you normally would. Gentle motions will always serve you better in the long run when driving on a wet, slippery, or snowy surface.
It’s not an easy job to control a truck under normal circumstances, let alone when confronted with harsh weather. It’s not something that just anyone can do either. It takes skill, precise judgement, strength, and focus to keep the nation running.
Be sure to stay safe during these colder months. If you’re a savvy driver ready to take on some work during the winter, find a CDL training school near you and get training for a tractor trailer driver job.
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