Best winter driving tips for truckers

The ability to drive a truck during the winter months is essential for everyone. Here are some winter trucking tips to help you stay safe on the road.

Check the weather conditions

You may not be able to predict winter weather and driving conditions. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the time to look ahead and see the forecast in places you are going to.

The more reliable facts you have about bad weather approaching, the more time you’ll have to get yourself and your truck ready.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Professional drivers are required to check their vehicles before every ride. Perform a visual inspection and check all items required, including tires, wiper blades, fluids and headlights. Check your vehicle frequently in unfavorable weather and cold temperatures.

If you need to be reminded of the CDL pre-trip inspection procedure, review them here.

Watch out for Black Ice

Black ice is a dangerous traffic phenomenon for truckers and other drivers. This is a thin layer of transparent ice that forms at temperatures close to freezing, which sometimes makes the road seem slightly damp. Never assume that the road is just wet because the sun came out.

Always have up-to-date information on the weather conditions in your area, including information on ice build-up.

Slow down

Slow down on wet, icy roads.

Even in the best weather conditions, speed is an crutial factor in the most of trucks’ accidents. Slow down when driving on snowy roads with poor traction. Use gentle braking when descending. Avoid unnecessary lane changes and overtaking.

Make sure you have everything you need for winter driving

This indispensable “kit” needs to be adapted to the needs of each trip and the individual driver, and should include things such as:

• Blankets

• Accumulators

• Chargers

• First aid kit (and pocket knife)

• Small shovel

• Truck service equipment (jumper cables, windshield scraper, additional washer fluid)

• Bottled water

• Healthy snacks for truckers

Practice best practices for trucks safety in winter!

Winter cargo transportation is inevitable, especially where you’ll be crossing all four seasons. But with the right advice and best practices for winter transportation, you can rest assured that you and the truck will stay safe and well prepared for the weather ahead.

For example, before you hit the road, you should check the tire tread depth, air pressure, inflation and, if necessary, put your reliable snow chains. And when the day is ending, turn on the block heater (if you’re driving a diesel truck) so your car can start again when morning comes.

However, safety rules for winter driving aren’t only about the ability to drive a truck when it snows. It also means using these tips on a daily basis and prioritizing safe driving.