As a trucker, your job is demanding 365 days a year, so colder seasons don’t put a dent in your schedule. However, inclement weather is considerably more dangerous, especially for large vehicles with a lot of cargo. To keep you and your haul safe in cold climates, we here at White’s International Trucks have put together some tips for safely driving commercial trucks in cold weather. If you have any questions, contact any of our seven locations across North Carolina, today!
Pre-Trip Inspections
It’s important to catch maintenance issues and damage as soon as possible, so give your rig a thorough once-over before any drive, especially in colder climates. Start by inspecting your tires to make sure they have the proper amount of air pressure. Then check that they have enough tread, and that the tread is wearing down evenly on both sides. If it’s not, you may have a weight distribution or alignment issue.
Next, check motor oil and antifreeze levels and top them off. Make sure all systems on your truck are working, like brakes, lights, and windshield wipers. Finally, ensure that all windows and mirrors are clean for optimal visibility.
Adjust For Weather
Even if a road is fairly clear of snow, a light dusting can hide obstacles or patches of ice, so you’ll need to go slower than you normally would when it’s freezing out. This will also give you more reaction time if other motorists aren’t being as careful as you. Larger trucks will, generally, require twice as much stopping distance on wet or snowy roads, and ten times as much on icy roads. Increase your follow distance to ensure you’ve got the space you need to avoid a collision, and avoid any sudden changes in speed or direction.
Visibility
Make sure to always have your headlights on if it’s gray or snowy out to help improve visibility, both for you and for other motorists who might not see you coming, and always have them on at night. Make sure to be extra cautious near intersections or one-ways streets and check your route out beforehand to ensure you’ll be safe.
Emergency Prep
It’s always good to be prepared for emergencies. This might take a little extra time, but it’ll be well worth it if you end up in a sticky situation. Bring a flashlight, shovel, matches, a bag of sand, and a first-aid kit. When in doubt, pull over and wait for the weather to clear. Schedules are important, but not as important as your safety!
We hope these tips help you and your haul get to your destination safely! If you want more information, contact us at White’s International Trucks. We proudly serve the great state of North Carolina—let us serve you today!
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