Trucking in the winter can be highly risky, and it takes a unique set of abilities to get to your destination safely.
As we enter the middle of gloomy and bitter winter, it’s critical to know winter driving tips for truckers to make all operations safe. Below we have listed 10 trucking safety recommendations to help you stay safe on the roads this winter:
Table of Contents
1. 1 Slow Down
When the roads are wet, slippery, or snow-covered, it’s critical to remember to slow down. Even under the best of circumstances, speed plays a significant role in the majority of eighteen-wheeler collisions.
2. Maintain a Safe Buffer Zone Around Your Vehicle
When feasible, leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of and beside your truck.
3. Check If Your Trailer Lights are On
To avoid other drivers tailgating you, make sure your trailer lights are not coated with snow or ice, which would reduce your visibility to other drivers
4. Brake Early for Red Lights and Stop Signs
Because of the cold weather and wet roads, crossroads can be icier than the roads leading up to them, so slow down and brake earlier than you think you need to. Allowing plenty of time to stop at crossings is important, especially if another vehicle slides in front of you on icy roads.
5. Inspect Your Vehicle
Preparing your trucks for the winter is essential for avoiding significant problems. Check the engine oil, tyre pressure, and antifreeze levels before hitting the road.
6. Obey All Road Rules
Road rules and speed limits are critical at all times, but especially when driving conditions change. Speed restrictions are in place because they have been tested and found to be safe for drivers. In blizzard conditions, other road rules such as utilizing your blinkers and passing are also necessary.
7. When In Doubt, Pull Over
If the weather is too bad to drive in, find a safe route off the road and wait until the weather improves and it is safe to travel again. Make sure you have road flares and emergency triangles in your vehicle.
8. Approach Bridges with Caution.
Bridge surfaces freeze early and thaw last in winter driving conditions, making them slicker than the road itself. It’s mandatory to approach bridges with caution.
9. Pay Attention to Vehicle Tire Spray
Paying attention to the tyre spray of other vehicles is a useful method to judge the amount of ice on the road. If there are a lot of sprays, the roads are probably moist but not over ice. If there is much less spray, there is likely more ice on the road, so proceed with caution.
10. Pack More Eatables and Warm Clothes
In general, it’s a good idea to pack extra food, water, clothing, and a heat source (if possible) in case you become stranded when travelling in the cold.
