Here are some winter safety tips for transporters to assist you with remaining safe.
Allow Yourself Extra Room
Because the stopping distance on a wet, slick road requires twice the amount of a normal stopping distance, it’s important to allow yourself extra room when driving on them. For icy roads, take ten times the amount of your normal stopping distance.
Many drivers make the mistake of following too closely to the vehicle in front of them in order to follow their tail lights and see in poor weather. Don’t be tempted to do this. It’s absolutely critical to have this safety buffer between your truck and any type of vehicle that may be in front of you so that you can move out of danger if anything unpredictable happens.
Don’t Be Abrupt
This is one of the most important winter safety tips for truck drivers: during the cold winter months, keep an overall mindset of: doesn’t make any sudden moves. Any abrupt moves, including braking, acceleration, and turning on slick or icy roads puts you at great risk for an accident.
If you need to suddenly slow down on the road, remember to pump your brakes very lightly. Try to refrain from doing anything that’s going to reduce your traction.
The Shoulder Is Not For Stopping
When driving in hard-to-see weather, don’t pull over onto the shoulder. Other vehicles may easily you are on the road, and as a result, they can crash into the back of your truck.
Make Sure Your Truck Is In Shape
Make sure your truck is completely ready for harsh winter driving. This is one of the most important winter safety tips for truck drivers.
Check the tire pressure, engine oil, and antifreeze levels very carefully before starting any trips. It’s also very wise to have a mechanic double-inspect your truck to make sure it’s ready.
Use Your Headlights
Because it can be very difficult to see in winter weather, it’s extremely important for truck drivers to remember to turn on their headlights. As one of the most important winter safety tips for truck drivers, not only does this help you see better, it also helps other vehicles on the road to see you and keep a safe distance.
Be Careful With Bridges
In cold weather, bridges will freeze much more quickly than regular roads. Bridges also don’t always get salted or sanded. The same goes for highway overpasses and other elevated surfaces. Because of this, be sure to be very careful when approaching these areas so that you don’t spin out of control.
Watch Out For Black Ice
“Black ice” is a layer of thin, transparent ice that doesn’t look like ice. It simply looks like the road is wet, which can obviously be very dangerous.
You can keep an eye out for black ice by looking for the spray from other vehicles. You may also notice it if you feel the truck begin to slide or lose traction. If small shifts in your steering seem to generate an exaggerated response from your truck, you may be driving on black ice.
If you happen to hit black ice, don’t panic. Do as little as possible, and let your truck pass over the ice slowly. Don’t hit the brakes, and try to keep the steering wheel straight. This is one of the most vital winter safety tips for truck drivers.
Have The Right Equipment
Be sure to have your cold-weather essentials with you. This includes:
- Extra layers of warm clothing
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Winter boots
- Flashlight and fresh batteries
- Rain gear
- Shovel
- Matches
- Flares
- Windshield fluid
- Blankets
- Bag of sand or salt
- Tire chains
- Jumper cables
- Snow scrapers and brushes
- Hand warmers
- Water and food
