Top 10 Winter Driving Tips for Truckers – Ah, winter. The time of year where everything gets cold, snowy, slushy and icy. The roads can be particularly dangerous to drive on during this season, and truckers are at the greatest risk for accidents. Winter weather conditions have a tendency to sneak up on even the most cautious drivers, and all it takes is a second to make a tragic or costly mistake.
Winter demands a heightened awareness and improved driving skills. You have to keep your eye on the prize and take the ice, snow, wind and cold in stride. With the proper planning and precautions, you can stay safe on the roadways this winter. Check out these top 10 winter driving tips for truckers.
- Keep an eye out for brake lights on the vehicles in front of you: Being alert is half the battle. Watch for those brake lights and adjust your braking accordingly. Allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you to accommodate for those last-minute lane changers.
- Be sure your lights are on and working: This should be part of your pre-drive check. Make sure your lights and high beams are in good working order before setting out.
- Clean the ice and snow off your windows, mirrors, lights and reflective tape. This will allow you to see better, and allow others to see you. Don’t forget to clear the snow off the top of your truck. It’s the law! Chunks of snow and ice can fly off your truck and hit unsuspecting cars behind you.
- Keep an eye on the cloud of powdered snow that surrounds your truck. There could be a car hidden inside it. Likewise, look out for other drivers whose only means of visibility is a tiny portion of their scraped-off windshield. You have to assume no one can see you very well, so make your presence known and practice defensive driving.
- Be extra careful on entrance and exit ramps. If you take a sharp turn on a slippery road, you could turn right over, causing damage to your truck, risking your safety, and causing tragic accidents around you.
- Be aware of bridges, as they freeze first and become slicker than the road itself.
- Begin braking early for red lights and stop signs. Intersections are icier than the roads that lead up to them.
- Brace yourself for wind, particularly as you enter large open areas or when you emerge from behind a hill, overpass or tunnel. Be especially careful if you’re driving an empty trailer.
- Keep good following distances of seven to 14 seconds. Try to anticipate what the other driver may do, and react accordingly.
- Accelerate and decelerate gradually and carefully. Keep in mind your tractor has to pull the trailer, and if the pavement is very slick, the conditions can result in a jackknife. Slow down to increase traction, as speed decreases traction.
Defensive driving is the name of the game, allowing you to remain in control as much as possible. Being alert is key, so make safe, well-informed decisions for your safety as well as the safety of everyone else on the roads.
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