As every driver is aware, driving in winter requires extra caution. Roads get icy, snow accumulates, and accidents can happen in seconds.
Within the US, there are over 156,000 truck crashes annually due to difficult weather conditions. Snow and ice are some of the worst conditions, followed closely by rain and fog. All of these weather conditions reduce a driver’s ability to avoid collisions.
Drivers need to prepare for the worst so that they can minimize their chances of accidents in bad winter conditions.
Check Your Equipment First
Classic Transport Driveaway or Towaway Program drivers should always create the safest possible environment. This means performing a thorough check of lights to make sure they are working and visible, testing brakes, and checking for antifreeze. Furthermore, drivers should ensure tires and windshield wipers are in good condition, and that they are carrying tire chains, a snow brush, and other accessories that will be necessary in the worst conditions.
Safe Driving Kit
Create a safe driving kit for all weather to carry in your vehicle. This should include gloves, blankets, booster cables, a first aid kit, brush, candles and lighter, water bottles, and a stash of food in case you become stranded. It is also a good idea to carry a thick jacket and winter boots.
Before You Leave
Drivers should make sure to completely clean the ice and snow off windshields and mirrors before embarking on a trip. Visibility is crucial when driving in winter or bad weather, so keeping these clean should be a high priority. Make sure to clean these areas off every time you stop, and check for snow build-up in mudflaps as well.
Slow Down
You should never speed, particularly in icy conditions. Speeding up decreases your traction which makes it much harder to stop and maneuver. Many drivers learn this the hard way and end up in a ditch. Going faster does not necessarily get you to your destination sooner. Instead, make sure to give yourself extra time when driving in winter months so you can meet your target arrival time.
Keep a Full Gas Tank
In severe weather, you may get stuck due to an accident or road closures. Sometimes these delays can be lengthy, so having sufficient fuel will allow you to sit out those stoppages. This is also where your emergency kit will come in handy, especially for a delay that lasts for hours.
Keep Your Cell Phone Fully Charged
Like keeping a full tank of fuel, having a fully charged cell phone can be handy in an emergency situation. If there is a halt to traffic or if you are stranded on a snowy road, having a fully charged cell phone will allow you to communicate with emergency services. You can also use your CB radio if you have one.
Be Careful on Slick Surfaces
From the moment the snow begins to fall and ice starts to form on the roadway, your traction reduces. For those driving in winter, make sure to put snow tires on your vehicle and carry chains.
Do not use cruise control when the highways get icy as this is likely to prevent you from reacting as quickly as necessary. Keep alert with your hands on the steering wheel and your feet ready to respond to anything around you.
It is worth noting that bridges and ramps often freeze before the rest of the highway due to less continuous traffic. This is especially true early in the morning and late at night.
Following a greater distance gives you more time to react in slippery conditions. Ideally, you should double your average following distance to allow more time for braking in wet and icy conditions.
Accelerating and decelerating quickly can be a problem with ice and snow. Reduce the chance of jackknifing or uncontrolled skidding by slowing your deceleration. Instead of braking immediately, first, pull your foot off the gas then slowly apply pressure on the brakes. Your stopping distance can increase significantly in bad weather, so allow plenty of space.
Always Be Aware
Be hyper-aware when driving during winter. Watch for other drivers who haven’t cleared all their windows or those who are “hiding” in the cloud of snow behind your truck. Be sure to triple-check blind spots you or others may create.
Check Out Classic Transport
Classic Transport aims to make sure their drivers are never in a situation where their safety is at risk. They provide all the necessary training and resources to ensure drivers’ safety and well-being.
Start a new, flexible career with Classic Transport. Earn competitive compensation while choosing your own schedule, and see more of North America. Check out Classic Transport’s opportunities and programs on their website.
Leave a Reply