We are now in the month of April showers and, while this may be good for any flowers in need of water, that water is not welcoming to people who are out on the road. For those in the trucking industry, rain can be a serious safety hazard. As such, you need to avoid doing anything that can put you in extra danger. When truck driving in the rain, you want to avoid doing the following things.
Don’t Slam on Your Truck’s Brakes When You’re Hydroplaning
Even in more casual types of weather conditions, slamming on your truck’s brakes is something you generally want to avoid doing. When it’s raining outside, and especially when you’re hydroplaning, that is all the more reason to avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, you should lift your foot off of the accelerator and make sure your steering wheel stays straight.
Don’t Try to Force Your Way Through Heavy Rain
Sometimes, truck drivers experience light sprinkles of rain. Other times, however, you could be faced with a torrential downpour. In the case of the latter, you shouldn’t force yourself to drive in conditions that are THAT dangerous. Instead, look for a place where you can pull over and wait until it’s safe to go back onto the road. While we understand not wanting to fall behind on schedule, the safety of yourself and other drivers should always be prioritized first.
Don’t Attempt to Move Your Truck When You’re Caught in Standing Water
Trying to get your truck out of standing water is something we don’t recommend. Instead, you should get out of your truck as quickly as possible and find higher ground. After that, call for professional assistance in order to get your truck moved.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or are simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: inclement weather, safety, truck drivers