Winter Safety Tips for Truck Drivers
October 24, 2022
While Old Man Winter can’t stop freight from moving, these conditions do present unique challenges that even seasoned drivers must be aware of. With winter season about to set in, it’s a fine time to refresh on the best practices for avoiding problems caused by cold, snow, and ice. No matter the type of truck or length of trip, truck driver safety is always crucial – especially when driving in winter weather.
Here are some of the top tips for truck drivers to take on the coming cold season:
Know That Visibility May Change
Even with eyes on the road, driving a truck in snow can leave a driver staring at a wall of white. How can they stay safe in low-visibility conditions?
One tip is to look for the taillights of vehicles in front of your rig. This provides a guide that can be used to maintain a proper following distance, which also allows extra room for braking if a sudden stop is required.
It’s also wise to remember that some vehicles only drive with a small section of their windshield clear. They may not be able to see a truck approaching, so be especially careful when it comes to merging, passing, or pulling out onto the road.
One final tip about visibility is to remember that hazards aren’t always visible. Black ice can be more dangerous than inches of snow, so exercise caution whenever temperatures are near or below freezing. When dealing with black ice, keep the steering wheel straight and avoid hitting the brakes; the less you do, the easier it will be to keep control.
Give Extra Attention to Vehicle Maintenance
One of the pillars of truck driver safety is vehicle maintenance. Preparing for a trip properly puts a driver on track toward a safer journey.
The winter season can leave snow and ice sticking to a rig, which can present some safety issues. Lights, mirrors, and reflective tape should all be cleaned before they become covered. Consider carrying scraping tools and some de-icer spray.
Preparation is also about being ready for the worst-case scenario. It’s a good idea to bring extra clothes, blankets, snacks, water, and basic medicine and first-aid items, as well as flashlights, batteries, portable heaters, and other devices that could help in case of emergency.
Adjust Speed, Braking, and Distance as Necessary
Many truckers are eager to reach their destination as quickly as possible. But speed decreases traction, so it’s wise to slow down and maintain a steady, reduced speed when driving in cold or snowy conditions.
Braking should also be done in a gradual and controlled manner. Going easy on the brake reduces the chance of a jackknife. It’s recommended to turn off the engine brake when on wet, icy, or snowy roads.
Since stopping can sometimes be a problem, and since other vehicles may be moving slower as well, it’s also wise to increase follow distance. While it can be tempting to drive in the ruts other cars leave behind, these can be packed down and icy, so avoid them if possible.
Drive Defensively and Always Prioritize Caution
Of all the winter safety tips for truck drivers, mindfulness is perhaps the most important. Think ahead, but stay present when driving a truck in winter weather.
Be aware of problematic terrain, like bridges prone to ice or roads where water runs down from nearby mountains. Also be aware of areas like exit ramps, tunnels, and merging lanes where other vehicles may move erratically due to the winter weather.
Finally, no trip is worth risking the safety of a truck driver or anyone they share the road with. When in doubt, pull off and wait for conditions to improve.
We hope you have a safe, productive, and successful winter driving season!