Here are truck driving tips you should follow whenever leaves get on the road.
Now that fall is here, the conditions on the road start to change. When it comes to the fall season, one of the biggest impacts it makes to the road is the addition of leaves. Leaves can be dangerous when they get on the road, which is why it’s important to take precautions when driving near them. Here are truck driving tips you should follow whenever leaves get on the road.
Have a Reliable Set of Truck Tires
Your truck tires are your primary defense against poor traction on the road. Since leaves can reduce the amount of traction you get while driving, you want to be sure your truck is equipped with the right tires so that you always have control of your vehicle.
Slow Down When Driving Through Leaves
Just like with other hazardous conditions, like snow, rain, and fog, you should slow down whenever you’re driving through leaves. This includes taking extra time whenever you try to make turns.
By driving more slowly, you’ll also give yourself more time to react to other drivers on the road. Since leaves can affect tire traction, you’ll want to give yourself that extra time to make adjustments, both for your own safety as well as the safety of other drivers.
Increase the Distance Between Yourself and Other Drivers
This goes hand-in-hand with the previous tip. When truck driving around leaves, you should give yourself more distance when you’re around other drivers. This way, if you need to react to other drivers and come to a stop, you won’t have to slam on the brakes. This is very important since slamming on the brakes isn’t as effective as reducing your speed gradually.
Understand How to React to Skids
A risk that comes with truck driving through leaves is skidding. To react to a skid properly, you should never slam on your brakes. This will cause your brakes to lock, which only serves to worsen your skidding situation. Instead, you’ll want to lift your foot off of the gas pedal. Then, point your tires so that they’re in the same direction as the skid.
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Tags: road conditions, safety, truck drivers