Truckers should always be prepared to navigate through extreme weather, and know important safety tips that can save their lives while on the road.
Extreme weather can happen at any place at any time and can be a hazard for even the most skilled truck drivers. Drivers should always be prepared to navigate through the worst weather and know important safety tips that can save their lives while on the road. Whether you face high winds, fog, torrential downpours or a snowstorm with icy roads, here are a few crucial tips all truckers should know when facing extreme weather conditions.
General Safety Tips
These safety tips apply to any and all weather conditions, any time of the year. It is essential for truckers to know the basic precautions to take for not only the safety of themselves but also the safety of others on the road.
Check the weather in advance
While it may seem obvious, it’s important to note. Truckers should continuously check the weather while driving across multiple states, as the weather could change in an instant. Following a site like the National Weather Service is a good place to start, as they stay on top of the weather with real-time updates and extreme weather alerts.
Increase follow distance
If you drive through high winds, rain or snow, your visibility will decrease, meaning you should be staying further behind cars than you normally do. Rain and snow make breaking time a lot longer and more difficult to do, so the worse the weather gets, the more important it is to slow down and follow further behind.
Prepare an emergency kit
All truck drivers should have an emergency kit with them on long hauls, filled with essentials that could save them in any situation. It is also a good idea to have extra food and water on board, as well as a first aid kit, extra fuel, a phone charger and a warm blanket.
Wind Safety
High winds affect truckers more than the average car since their height makes it much harder to stay upright in strong winds. Drivers should know the trailer’s load and weight when driving through high winds, and should never attempt to take light or empty trailers through windy conditions. However, a truck can still tip over with a full trailer if the load becomes unbalanced. In any case, it’s best to take precautions, and if the truck is too high or light to endure strong winds, get off the road until the winds clear.
Snow Safety
When the roads are covered in ice and snow, a truck will likely need chains. You should always have a flashlight, kneeling pad, waterproof gloves and a reflective vest in the cab to make the chaining process as safe as possible when on the road. Also, remember to add anti-gel to your tank before you fuel up for your trip, so your diesel fuel doesn’t get slushy in the low temperatures. Don’t rely on shops to carry it, as it can be sold out or out of stock if the cold weather hits at an unpredictable time.
Rain Safety
Along with rain, there is usually also heavy fog, making these conditions extra dangerous. Driving safely through fog requires drivers to be completely alert and use fog lights and low beam headlights. If you know that foggy weather is coming up, take the time to clean your lights and defrost your windshields.
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Evan Transportation provides trucking and transportation services for clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. All of our drivers and staff are offered competitive salaries, benefits, and are guaranteed to be home every day. Interested in finding out more? Visit us online or give us a call at 443-673-3365. For even more information, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Google+.