Driving in bad weather is easier than you think!
While warmer days seem to be here in the Maryland region, truckers right now are experiencing a wide range of bad weather conditions throughout the country. Whether it’s driving through snowy bad weather or driving through rainy bad weather, here are some of our top tips for those in the trucking industry dealing with it.
Be Prepared
Just like with anything else, being prepared is a great way to lessen your chances of getting into an accident in bad weather and have a solution in case. Make sure that you always have the following handy, regardless of the time of year:
- Extra clothing that is loose-fitting and layer-able
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A blanket
- Food and water
- A bag of sand or salt
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- A windshield scraper and brush
- Jumper cables
- Tire chains or tire traction mats
Slow Down
Many accidents, especially in bad weather, could be prevented by slowing down and not maintaining an aggressive pace. Constantly assess the road conditions and speed up or slow down appropriately. Driving slower in bad weather ensures that you will have more time and space to stop if you start to skid or lose control. In addition to driving slowly, make sure to allow ample space between you and other cars in poor weather.
Take it Easy
When driving in bad weather conditions, whether that means rain or wind, try to ease up on your driving. Brake and accelerate lightly so that you can easily stop or reverse what you are doing. If you need to slow down quickly in slippery weather, lightly pump your brakes to prevent your tires from locking. If you have an antilock brake system on your truck, press the brake down firmly in the case of emergency.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for All of 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, Pinterest, and Google+.