Winter driving in a freightliner truck can be particularly dangerous — take heed of these tips for extra caution this winter.
As an inevitably harsh winter finally bears down on the east coast, we start to feel the concern of the treacherous winter driving conditions that come along with it. Snow, ice, and slush are all likely headed our way, and none of those things make driving any easier — particularly when the vehicle in question is a freightliner truck. While we brace for whatever Jack Frost is about to throw our way, check out these tips to keep you and other drivers safe this winter.
First and Foremost — Be Prepared!
The first thing that should be done when embarking on any type of road trip is to make sure that you and your vehicle have everything that might be necessary, even in worst case scenarios. This means making sure that you have enough clothes to keep you warm in the coldest nights were anything to go wrong, a blanket, food, and water. Also make sure you have a good stock of vehicle supplies, like sand or salt, extra windshield wiper fluid, an ice scraper, jumper cables, and more than enough gas to get you where you’re going.
Give Your Vehicle a Careful Inspection
Professional freightliner truck drivers are required to do so before every trip. Make sure that everything is ready to go, meaning that your tires, gas tank, and other fluids are full, and that your wiper blades, brakes, and lights are all working properly. Remember that temperature can adversely affect some of these things, so an extra check or two might be necessary throughout your trip when tasked with winter driving.
Drive Extremely Carefully
This should be a given, and something that you do even when the weather is perfectly fine, but it’s of the utmost importance when it comes to winter driving. Freightliner trucks are quite large and unwieldy, so it’s important to keep extra caution in the winter. Keep a relatively slow speed, give yourself plenty of space from surrounding motorists, and brake and accelerate lightly. Keep an eye out for black ice and road signs. Perhaps most importantly, if conditions get too bad, get off the road. It’s always better to be delayed in your delivery than to send a freightliner truck into another vehicle or off the side of the road.
Get In Touch With Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star Today
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: Freightliner, trucking safety, winter