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Winter Driving Tips for Truckers Posted by ocmaillet | Nov. 28 2020

Winter Driving Tips for Truckers

It’s that time of year, unpredictable weather can leave even the most seasoned drivers on edge. Winter demands a heightened sense of awareness, patience, and attentiveness, leaving drivers feeling exhausted, and strained. Being prepared and educated on the best ways to combat the dangers of winter driving may relieve some of the tension associated with driving in these dangerous conditions. 

We’ve compiled a few winter driving tips that our drivers practice at O.C. Maillet Transport Ltd.

PRE-TRIP CHECK

This is common practice before any trip, however, it is even more important when you’re at risk of driving into inclement weather. We complete a hands-on and visual inspection of every truck prior to departure, including windshield wipers, tire pressure, fluid check, etc.

LEAVE SOME SPACE

With inclement weather, the road conditions can often be unpredictable as there are dangers that are not visible (ie: black ice). Ensuring that you leave space between you and the vehicle in front of you allows for enough space to slow down should you hit a patch of ice, or begin to slide. 

 

 

 

 


(Photo courtesy of chevinfleet.com)

 

Winter Driving

LOOK FOR WARNING SIGNS
A good indication of road conditions is to keep an eye on other drivers. If there are vehicles off the road or driving incredibly slow, this is an indication that you may need to find a place to pull over for find an alternate route. No load is worth a life.

WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
As important as it is for your truck to be properly equipped and serviced, you, the driver must also do the same. Wearing the correct boots and clothing during winter runs is crucial to ensuring you can get in and out of the truck safely, but you also have what you require should you need to exit or stay in the truck during a winter storm.

KEEP IN CONTACT
When in doubt, talk to people. Communicating with other drivers or with dispatch is important in making sure they know you’re safe and what the conditions are like where you’re traveling. This can be helpful not only to you but to other drivers who may be approaching the area.


WHEN IN DOUBT, REMEMBER YOUR TRAINING
Winter driving is not a foreign concept to most drivers. Remembering your training and applying it accordingly when on the road, is important to your health and safety during each and every run.