More than 70% of the USA’s roads are in snowy regions, and 24% of weather-related vehicle accidents happen on snowy, icy, or slushy roads. Freezing temperatures and winter blizzards make road navigation a challenge, especially for truck drivers. You must stay cautious when driving and reduce the risk of an accident.
Fortunately, there are many ways to stay safe when driving in the winter. We’ll share a few essential tips below.
1. Do Double Checks
Double-checking your equipment should be part of your routine. Make sure to squeeze it into your winter schedules to avoid equipment failure while driving.
Low temperatures can make it hard for employees to test your equipment properly. The sudden temperature changes can cause unpredicted equipment failures. Some of the things to check before hitting the road mid-winter include:
- Brakes and lights;
- Heating system and windshield defrost functions;
- The air tanks for potential moisture
- Wipers’ functionality.
2. Proper Tire Pressure
Winter tires need careful examination. They have specific pumping requirements for cold weather conditions: 110 PSI on a 12,000-pound front axle, with 95 PSI tiles on the drive and trailer. These are golden-ratio numbers to follow when riding a truck in the wintertime, risk-free.
3. Don’t Drive in “Herds”
Your chances of being involved in a chain reaction driving accident are multiplied if you travel in a group of trucks. Doing so will put you and your cargo at risk. Keep your distance from other vehicles during the winter months to give yourself extra room in case you need to hit the brakes.
4. Don’t Focus on Taillights Only
This rule is especially true if you’re driving in a heavy snowstorm and visibility is extremely low. The taillights of the driver in front of you usually help orient you. But in a blizzard, you might end up off the road or bumping into a parked vehicle.
Instead of following whoever is in front of you, pay attention to the surroundings, your map, and any truck system alerts and road signs.
5. Always Have Kitty Litter
You probably didn’t expect to see kitty litter in your winter truck driving gear, but it can save you. If you get stuck in a deep snowbank or on a particularly slippery bit of road, kitty litter can give you the extra traction you need to get out.
Sand also works for this. However, kitty litter has the added benefit of absorbing moisture. Stuff a sock with it and place it on your dashboard. It will help prevent condensation on your windshield, keeping visibility up.
6. A Hammer and Putty Knife: The Basic Winter Survival Kit
Snow can get under your trunk when you drive in excessive snowfall, and your motor’s heat likely won’t melt it off. Even if it does, the melted snow will freeze into ice when it touches cold metal. If the engine coolant freezes, your truck won’t be able to operate at an optimal temperature.
Always carry a putty knife to shovel snow out of your trunk and a hammer to break the ice.
7. Switch Your Tune on CB Radio
When driving a truck in the winter, play the CB radio. Without a radio inside the truck cabin, you might fall asleep, get distracted, or lose focus. A CB radio also gives constant live updates on what’s ahead on the road and whether the weather will change, making your drive safer and smoother.
8. Avoid Jake Brakes Situations
Engine braking is helpful for reducing wear and tear on your brakes, but you shouldn’t use it on slippery roads. Doing so can damage the drive wheel’s traction, leaving your truck out of control. Only use it on steep or long slopes.
9. Extended Weather Forecast
Fleet managers and truck drivers are highly dependent on monitoring multiple weather forecasts, including extended ones. They help you prepare better and assess the risks of driving on a particular day. Stick to seven-day forecasts, as 10-day or longer forecasts are only accurate about 50% of the time.
10. Navigation Services
Weather forecasts don’t tell you everything you need to know. A road might be under construction, or an accident could have caused a bottleneck.
A navigation system is a must, alongside your regular weather monitoring app. A navigation service is critical, especially when traveling in areas prone to unpredictable weather changes.
11. Safety First, Delivery Second
Delivery times matter, but not as much as your safety and protection on the road. Always ensure you have a functional truck, safe and tested equipment, and an emergency plan to keep you safe on the road. If a snowstorm or blizzard makes driving wholly unsafe, refuse the delivery.
You have the legal right to refuse to operate in hazardous conditions or in violation of federal transportation regulations. This may not stop shady companies from coercing you into doing so, but it’s better to fight for your rights and safety than to risk severe injury or death.
12. Stay Parked If Driving Is Unsafe
Don’t hesitate to stay parked where you are, especially if the weather is worsening, you’re not feeling well, or you’re not equipped enough to travel. Make sure you notify your dispatcher of the road conditions or health issues and simply wait out your troubles before you carry on.
Protect Your Rights as a Truck Driver
Rest is essential to your safety on the road. In Washington and California, you’re entitled to a paid 10-minute break for every four hours of work. But what if your employer coerces you into working without breaks or refuses to pay you for them?
Have Truck Driver Rights protect your rights. A highly experienced lawyer will help you receive appropriate compensation for your work or if you’ve been injured on the job.
Call us at 877-700-0009 to schedule a free consultation.