15 Winter Driving Tips for Truckers

by Sarah Magor | Jan 9, 2014 | Safety, Seasonal, Transportation | 0 comments

The winter weather is upon us here in the Midwest. Here are few Winter Driving Tips for Truckers to help keep you safe on the road. Drive safe and remember Logistick’s products prevent forward shifting movements when the roads get rough. Feel safe knowing your cargo will not get damaged through the rough terrain.

15 Winter Driving Tips for Truckers

HOW TO STAY SAFE THIS WINTER.

Winter can be beautiful, beautiful and dangerous. If you are driving an 85,000 lbs truck, winter tends to be a little more dangerous. So if you want to stay safe out on the roads this winter, we suggest you take the time to read these winter driving tips from current and former drivers.

Keep an eye on the temperature. It is easy to lose track of time when you are on the open road. Where you started your drive might not be the same temperature or elevation as where you end up. 32 degrees is when you need to start looking for signs of ice on the road.
So what are the warning signs? Good question! Look for all wheel drive cars in the ditch. Tire tracks leading off the road. Ice forming in the corner of your windshield is also a sign that things are getting rough outside.
Give the four-wheelers some room. Four-wheelers tend to panic if they even see snow, so be careful coming around turns. Then there are the opposites, four-wheelers who are overconfident in their ability. Both are dangerous, and you should put some distance between you and them.
Sometimes you just need to wait it out. While truck driving is an extremely important job, it is not worth losing a life. When the roads get too rough, find a safe spot to pull over and wait it out. Do not risk running off the road or into someone else.
Carry Supplies. This is something you should always do, but it is extra important in the winter. Have a winter emergency pack filled with blankets, canned food (don’t forget the can opener), hand/foot warmers, and water. In an emergency situation, you will be well equipped to wait for help.
Turn on your CB radio. Drivers are in constant communication. Ask questions about the roads and listen out for people giving warnings. In an emergency, other truckers might be able to help. Stay in contact with someone at all times.
Treat your fuel. Diesel becomes thick and gel like in the winter. When your fuel gets too thick your engine fails. If you know you are heading into winter weather, make sure you add an anti-gel additive. They can be found in most fuel stations and Walmarts. It is also a good idea to keep a few gallons in your truck. It always seems like stores run out of it while on the road.
Be cautious of bridges. You see the signs “bridge ices before road” all the time, and they are there for a reason. If you see a bunch of people pulled over before a bridge it’s probably a good idea that you do it too. Approach all bridges with caution.
Slow down! When you slow your truck down you are less likely to lose control. You need to accelerate slowly and coast into stops so you can break lightly.
Grip the steering wheel firmly. Sharp moves can cause you to lose control of your truck. Winter storms usually bring wind gusts and slippery roads. Keep hold of the wheel and stay steady.
Look for black ice. Black ice is the most dangerous thing on the road. It is almost invisible and causes major wrecks. To find it just watch the spray of tires. If there is spray coming up from the cars in front of you, it means the roads are wet and safer. If the spray stops, be alert because you are probably heading into a black ice section. If you do hit black ice, do not slam on the breaks, coast till you gain traction.
Follow all road signs. Road signs always seem overly cautious, well that is because they are meant to save people in all conditions. Pay extra attention to road signs in the winter. It may be the difference between staying on the road and wrecking.
Avoid Cruise Control. Cruise control can be dangerous in winter situations. Drivers become complacent and less in tune with their speed and surroundings while cruising.
Keep a full tank. The last thing you want is to be stranded in a winter storm with no gas. If you get stranded your truck heat might be the last thing keeping you alive.
Last but not least, plan ahead. Avoid winter storms if possible. If you have to go out on the road, know where all the truck stops are along your route. Having stops planned out along the way can keep you out of trouble.