Before switching lanes or turning you should have you blinker on for at least 4 seconds (a bit more in bad weather).
15. If It’s Too Bad, Get Off The Road And Wait It Out!
I might have mentioned being overly confident in the beginning. However, I feel that you can’t stress this enough the importance of this truck driving in winter tip. So, be careful!
When you head out on the roads, you should be prepared for the above-mentioned black ice and reckless drivers, but also the snow removal and ice trucks. Never just assume that they have cleared the roads or since they do that, roads are actually clear. Always check the weather and road reports.
There are always tips and advice on how you should drive, hence this article. But I would like to share a couple key points to consider when truck driving in winter weather. These are:
- Obviously pay attention, but not just to your immediate surroundings. Look ahead and scan the road and shoulder (on all sides) for potential threats and weather related hazards;
- While doing so keep an idea on what is around your truck, scan your mirrors to see who or what is on your right, left, and rear;
- Constantly scan, this not only helps you identify risks it helps keep you more alert;
- Never follow too close and do your best to allow room to evade and accidents or other hazards. Also have a predetermined plan of what to do if it were to happen;
- You want to be seen, DOT requires lights and such, well make sure they are all on and in working order. When you make stops try to clear the snow and ice so that you can be clearly seen (well as best as possible).
Additional Information About Truck Driving in Winter
To learn more about proper winter safety and proper truck driving in winter visit Safe Winter Roads. Though they are a part of the Salt Institute whose main purpose is to promote the benefits of using salt for nutrition and water conditioning but in addition to that, they also promote roadway safety. I think you’ll find some good information on their website regarding safe truck driving in winter.
