There is more to a truck driver than having a full tank of gas and navigating to a location. Truckers also must think about extreme weather conditions and unexpected road hazards when cautiously planning their trip on the road and how to stay prepared. This guide is to help drivers stay proactive during extreme weather and provide best practices for their safety.
- Stay Up to Date
Weather Conditions: The National Weather Service has great tools that can help with preparing for different weather conditions. We want our drivers to feel ready and prepared and have accurate real-time updates. Understanding these weather trends can help with predicting how the weather can change. This can give drivers time to readjust their routes or departure times and avoid any dangerous weather conditions.
- Frequent Inspections for Maintenance
Maintenance Check: Before the start of every trip, every trucker should always double-check the condition of their truck. Start by checking the condition of your defroster, heater, tires, brakes, lights, and windshield wipers. Proper maintenance is crucial when driving.
- Keep Your Distance
Be Careful of Blind Spots: Weather conditions can start to escalate when it starts hailing, snowing, or raining, making it difficult to see the cars that are approaching. Keep in mind that if your vision is obstructed, then the surrounding cars may also have difficulty seeing the road. Let cars pass you, even if they’re at fault, to avoid risking accidents in your blind zones. It is always a good rule of thumb to drive more cautiously during these weather conditions and to keep a car-length distance between you and the car in front of you. Trucks are more likely to brake, and this will allow enough time to slow down, brake, and prevent any collisions.
Change Speeds and Use Caution When Braking: Reducing your speed during any slippery or rainy weather can help with not losing traction on your tires. This will give you an ample amount of braking time between you and the vehicle in front of you. Typically, semi-trucks take 25% longer to brake than standard vehicles, so take things slowly to avoid your truck skidding out. Always brake early before red lights, stop signs, and exits.
- Emergency Kit
Packing an Essentials Bag: It’s useful to have an emergency kit ready for any season. Some basic supplies should include water, non-perishable food, warm clothing, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, and necessary medications. Extra layers of clothing and snow and ice scrapers are necessary for the winter. This kit is helpful during situations where you are stranded or delayed due to the weather and helps keep you safe until weather conditions have improved.
Overall, the key to safety on the road is preparing. No matter how unpredictable the nature of the weather is, truck drivers should always prioritize being well-prepared long before encountering these difficult conditions. Make sure there is open communication between your dispatcher or fleet manager, especially if you think there could be a possible delay. They can help with determining what’s the next best course of action during these weather conditions on the road and guide you to a safer route. Keep on trucking and remember to always stay safe!