Check out these essential mountain driving tips for truck drivers.
For new truckers, facing the challenge of mountain driving can be very intimidating. However, with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be ready to gain the confidence needed to stay safe on your long haul. Continue reading for some valuable tips that all truck drivers should know before attempting a mountain drive.
Pay Attention To Your Grade
The first rule of mountain driving is to pay very close attention to your grade. If you are not familiar with the area and don’t know the grade, it’s important not to guess the percent of the grade when you’re about to descend the hill. There should be grade signs posted to warn you of what speed your truck should maintain while going up or down the mountain. Descending in a truck should always be taken very slowly and with extreme caution, as there are many risks such as a patch of ice or curves in the road. Take it slow until the very bottom of the hill to avoid any costly mistakes.
Retaining Traction
When climbing up or descending a mountain, your truck may begin to lose traction. To regain traction and control, it’s important not to overheat the engine. Remember to turn on the engine fan, but don’t push the truck too hard when going up a hill. The truck can overheat quickly, so go slowly and steadily while keeping an eye on the temperature gauge.
Also, if the hill is slippery from rain or snow, make your own set of tracks rather than following in the tracks of the car or truck ahead of you. By pulling off slightly to the right, you may also benefit from the gravel of the road shoulder to help with added traction.
Leave Plenty Of Room
While driving on a mountain or hill, it’s crucial to leave a lot of room between your truck and other vehicles. This is important for any road, but on a hill, there are even more chances of something going wrong, and it’s crucial for truckers to be as careful as possible. The vehicle in front of you may stop short, lose control, or hit a patch of ice on the road. Remember to leave plenty of distance between your truck and others on the road to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of vehicles around you.
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Evan Transportation, located in Baltimore, MD, 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+.