Driving in the rain is particularly dangerous when you’re driving a 40-ton vehicle.
With the current state of the weather in the Baltimore region, you’d think it was already the spring rainy season. In all likelihood, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Hopefully we’re all done with snow for the winter, but that means spring is rolling in right behind it with all of its rain. While you drive down the road, muttering to yourself “rain, rain, go away..,” we want you to stay safe. That’s why we took the time to come up with these trucking safety tips for driving in the rain through spring showers — or spring downpours.
Hydroplaning
One of the most common concerns with any vehicle driving in the rain is hydroplaning. When it comes to freight trucks that can weigh upwards of 40 tons, the danger grows exponentially. Hydroplaning happens when your tires lose grip of the road due to a layer of liquid resting on the road surface and start to skid. This occurs most frequently at the beginning of storms, when rainwater starts to seep into the asphalt, lifting residual oil and fuel to the surface, creating a dangerously slick situation. As the storm continues, these materials will start to be washed away. However, in a heavier storm, enough water can accumulate on roadways to create a barrier between your tires and the road, also leading to hydroplaning. To avoid hydroplaning when driving during a storm, slow down (even to below the speed limit if necessary), make sure your headlights are on for optimal visibility, and maintain a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. If you start to lose control or start jackknifing, pushing in the clutch will make the vehicle slow down and let the wheel turn freely to regain control.
Staying Alert
Aside from the above tips to avoid hydroplaning accidents, the best thing you can do is to stay extra alert behind the wheel. If you or another vehicle loses control, the faster you can react the better. Any type of distraction can cause you to miss out on danger or cause danger of your own. We advise you to stay alert even before you hit the road by keeping an eye on the forecast to know if your route for the day might take you through any storms, so you have adequate time to prepare or reroute.
Evan Transportation Cares About Trucking Safety
Evan Transportation was founded in 1992 by Jerry Wolfarth, who at the time had over 25 years of experience in the trucking and transportation industry. The initial operation consisted of a few trucks and drivers who were dedicated and professional. The goal of the company was to provide excellent, dependable service.
If you need materials and products moved in the Mid-Atlantic region, contact Evan Transportation. We hire professional drivers with excellent driving records, and maintain a fleet of trailers and vehicles that are reliable and ready to roll.
Contact us today for all of your freight shipment needs or call us at 443-673-3365
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