Today, we’ll tell you what you should do when truck driving in the rain, and what you should refrain from doing.
Rain can be relaxing if you’re able to watch it from the comfort of your home. If you’re on the road, however, rain can be quite dangerous if you don’t know how to navigate it. For truck drivers, who are on the road constantly, knowing how to drive safely in the rain is a necessary skill, both for your own safety, as well as the safety of others. That’s why, today, we’ll tell you what you should do when truck driving in the rain, and what you should refrain from doing.
Do Stay on Top of Truck Maintenance
The first step to truck safety when driving in rainy weather actually happens before you get on the road. You want to make sure that your truck is in good condition so that you’re less likely to encounter problems while you’re driving.
Replace your wipers when necessary. Test your brakes to make sure they’re operational. Ensure that your tires have the air and traction they need. Taking precautions like these will make your truck more ready to tackle any rainy weather you encounter.
Don’t Slam on Your Truck’s Brakes If You’re Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is what happens when you slide along the wet surface of a road instead of having your tires actually on the ground. This is a scary situation for any driver, but it’s important for you to refrain from slamming on the brakes. Instead, you’ll want to lift off of your accelerator and make sure your steering wheel remains straight.
Do Slow Down and Keep a Safe Distance From Other Drivers
This is a rule you should follow even when weather conditions are clear, but it’s extra important for truck drivers to follow this advice when it rains. Wet road conditions mean that it will take longer for your truck to come to a complete stop. As such, you’ll want to increase the distance between yourself and other drivers so that you’ll have enough time to react to whatever happens on the road.
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Tags: safety, truck drivers, weather