Driving in the winter months can be challenging and dangerous, especially for large trucks on the road. To prevent major injury, delayed delivery times, and to keep yourself and others safe on the road, remember the following winter road safety tips!
- Carry proper supplies. Truck drivers should make sure they have cold weather essentials on hand, including:
- Extra clothing layers
- Food and water
- Flashlight
- Windshield fluid
- Blankets
- Bag of sand or salt
- Snow scrapers and brush
- Slower is safer. The slower you drive, the more reaction time you have. Manage your speed for the conditions present.
- Maintain a firm grip on the wheel. Always keep both hands on the wheel to guide the vehicle through snow and ice.
- Manage your space. In the winter, truck drivers should increase their following distance. That means a minimum of seven seconds or more if road conditions deteriorate.
- Watch out for bridges. Bridges, highway overpasses, and other elevated surfaces freeze faster than the regular road. Use caution when approaching bridges to avoid spinning out of control.
- Be alert for black ice.
- In winter months, accelerate and brake slowly.
It’s always better to be over-prepared than to be under-prepared. Stay safe!