As a trucker driving through this area, it’s important to know when to proceed with caution and when to wait it out.
Winter is notoriously unpredictable here in the mid-Atlantic. One day it’s clear, cold, and sunny and the next day there’s a blizzard moving in with 40mph winds. As a trucker driving through this area, it’s important to know when to proceed with caution and when to wait a storm out. Your haul certainly has to get where it’s going, but your safety is still paramount.
Before You Go
Pre-drive inspections are crucial in inclement weather because they give you the chance to correct any malfunctions before they become dangerous to you and others. Documenting your inspection will also put you in a much better spot with an employer or insurance company in the event that some sort of accident does happen. You should give all of your basic equipment a quick assessment for functionality, and then move on to thoroughly check the things you would need in a storm. Your wipers, wiper fluid, tire treads, and lights might make the difference between a mundane or catastrophic job.
You should also keep a safety kit handy in the event of any emergency, large or small. There should be supplies to get your rig moving again if possible and to protect you from bodily harm. Many truckers will pack jumper cables, flashlights, batteries, tire chains, raincoats, boots, gloves, a blanket, etc.
Drive Safe Through the Storm
Truckers are often trying to keep to aggressive schedules for deliveries. This can make it tempting to push the limits of your driving in a storm, but the negative consequences truly outweigh any positive outcomes. When driving in rain, snow, hail, or on potentially icy roads you should slow down significantly and leave a larger following distance between your truck and other vehicles. Keep documentation of the weather conditions so that you can explain your choices if you have to.
Know When to Stop in a Storm
Sometimes the expert thing to do is to pull over and allow a storm to run its course rather than face a deadly road surface. An accident with a commercial vehicle can be completely devastating to all involved. Not to mention, whatever load you’re hauling won’t do anyone much good scattered all over the highway. So, if the weather is seriously hindering your driving ability then it is definitely time to pull over and settle down in your cab until it improves.
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, a new truck dealer. 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+
Tags: safety, semi-truck, winter