With fall now upon us, we are quickly approaching the winter season. With winter comes ice and snow, and with it, dangerous driving conditions. It can be bad enough combating winter driving conditions in a standard-sized car, but add in the several extra tons of a semi-truck, and it’s easy to run into trouble! Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star would like to share some safe winter driving tips that truckers everywhere can benefit from and reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star would like to share some safe winter driving tips that truckers everywhere can benefit from and reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.
Safe Winter Driving Tips for Truckers
- Slow down
It’s always tempting to speed up to try to cut some time out and meet your deadline, but a few seconds saved isn’t worth your life. Remember to never drive faster than the conditions allow and keep at least a ten second following distance when you’re navigating icy and snowy roads.
- Look out for black ice
Black ice often looks like water on the road, but drivers beware. This shiny type of ice is one of the most slippery road conditions and one of the most common causes of accidents during winter driving. Be extra cautious when driving over bridges and overpasses!
- Be prepared
The smartest truck drivers plan ahead before they head out on the road. Make sure you check the weather and know what driving conditions will be like ahead of time. Plan out where you can stop and pull over for a while if need be and allow extra time for traffic delays due to weather.
What Can I Do if I Begin to Skid?
Skidding on ice can be a terrifying experience for anyone, especially truck drivers. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this slippery situation:
- Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral
- Steer the truck in the direction you want it to go
- Before the rear wheels stop skidding, shift to drive and gently accelerate
- Whatever you do, don’t slam on the brakes!
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to discover more about commercial truck sales, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474 or email us your questions and concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking.
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Tags: driving tips, trucking safety, winter safety