Truck driving is by nature a dangerous profession. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to boost your safety when on your route. Part of being a safe truck driver is being well aware of the hazards that each season poses. Some safety tips are always relevant; others are only seasonal. Now that the winter solstice has come and gone, we thought we’d take this opportunity to present you with a few safety considerations for truck driving in the snow.
Now that the winter solstice has come and gone, keep in mind these safety tips for truck driving in the snow.
Get Some Proper Sleep
Getting adequate sleep when you’re on the road is one of the biggest challenges of truck driving. But it isn’t just crucial to your health; it’s just as crucial to the safety of yourself and those around you. When you don’t get enough sleep, your attention span and reaction time are not nearly so strong as they would be otherwise.
Sleeping is even more important in the winter. The short days and snowy, dreary conditions might make you more inclined to nod off. Try to compensate for this by sleeping as much as you can.
Go Slow
We know—truck drivers often have tightly regimented schedules, and speed is of the essence. But timeliness isn’t worth endangering your life or that of others on the road. It’s especially important to remember to take it slow when you’re truck driving in the snow and ice. This will mean you have less momentum and can stop quicker even in slippery terrain.
Turn On Your Headlights
We’re sure you already know to turn on your headlights at night and in the rain. Don’t forget to do so when snow is falling down, too. It can be easy to forget to turn your headlights on in the snow because it appears bright. But don’t underestimate how much snow can interfere with your ability to see.
Increase Your Following Distance
Leaving a nice following distance between yourself and those in front of you is one of the fundamental tenets of safe driving in general. But it is especially important for truck driving in the snow.
Whenever you see snow falling, remember that the temperature is below or very near freezing. This means that there is likely to be ice on the road, and it isn’t always easy to see. And don’t underestimate just how slippery snow itself can be, either. Increasing your following distance is one of the best ways to give yourself some extra time to react if you start to slip.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or 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, trucking safety, winter