Snow has come a couple of times, just enough to make driving on the road potentially dangerous. In a recent post, we covered some safety tips for handling a commercial truck in this inclement weather. But now let’s focus on highway travel in winter.
Take it Slow
In any weather, the highway traffic alone can complicate driving. But since the highway is where you do the majority of your traveling, you’ve probably already developed a keen eye for traffic patterns. Winter weather conditions mean that you should slow down enough to prepare yourself for the unexpected. The cars around you might suddenly skid on a patch of ice, for example. Generally, it’s alright to go a couple of miles below the speed limit in adverse weather conditions.
Watch Road Spray
A good way to get a sense of the road conditions is by looking for road spray. Naturally, road spray coming off of the cars in front of you means that the roads are wet. If you have been on the highway for a while and you notice that there was road spray that significantly reduced, then it could mean that temperatures have dropped enough to start freezing it. In this case, watch out for more slippery roads.
Pack for Emergencies
Bad winter weather means that your truck could get issues more easily that will force you to pull over. The highway is the worst place to be stranded since there is rarely anything nearby that you can walk to. If you’re stranded and forced to wait it out for help, then you need to be prepared with some supplies. For example, it’s good to pack blankets to keep you warm, extra food and water, as well as a flashlight and emergency flares. That way, you will be more safe and comfortable sitting in the truck while you wait.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western 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 and Twitter.