Yes, this is common sense but how many of us jump in our vehicle when the weather looks nice and end up in a storm. Winter driving tips for the trucker a professional drivers safety. An illustrated guide that offers tips to become a safer and more efficient driver in adverse weather conditions. Proper clothing loose layers of clothing, extra gloves, rain gear. Tips for truck and bus drivers federal motor carrier. As summer has come to an end and the cooler temperatures move in all across the country, truck drivers need to begin to prepare for winter driving and winter driver safety. Even though you may think driving the speed limit is proficient, icy andor wet roads pose a greater risk of.
Winter driving presents a number of challenges to you and your car. Driving at the speed limit may be legal, but is often too fast for snow covered or icy road conditions. Also provided is information on vehicle systems, driver preparation, winter driving techniques maximizing traction, maintaining safe following distance and changing speed smoothly and additional hints and precautions helpful to. The american automobile associations aaa foundation for traffic safety says snowcovered roads, as well as. These truck driving safety tips are intended as general guidelines and reminders for truckers. However, by implementing preventive safety skills for driving in icy conditions, you can sail through the winter season without any major problems. Winter demands heightened awareness and driving skills. Of the many great things about summertime, few match the fun of a family road trip. Check weather sources before your move to help you plan out your trip. Truck driver safety tips fatalities among truckers are among the nations worst. Jan 24, 2015 in eight years as a truck driver, alan wrobel has. Staying safe on the road, particularly during winter weather can be hard, and while roadside assistance is just a phone call away if something goes.
Some drivers find themselves in bad weather and traveling on dangerous roads, trying to make their delivery. Its also a time when road and weather conditions make getting there a little tougher. If youre not careful, you could find yourself sliding towards a guard rail, wondering if your affairs are in order. Winter driving tips for the cdl truck driver helping to keep the rubber side down. Cold weather tests the limits of your cars mechanical abilities. To help make winter moves and drives smooth, we offer these safety tips. Theres a simple formula for determining the proper braking distance of a semi. To help make the roads safer, america truck driving school is happy to share a few of those safety tips below. Truck driving tips 7 safety rules for truckers esurance. Winter driving tips for truck drivers roadmaster drivers.
Use the safety tips below from the national safety council on how to drive in fog. This means always having both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand in contact with your equipment. Top 30 truck driving tips from experienced truck drivers. Winter driving is dangerous and can be terrifying, even for wellseasoned motorists. Be prepared for winter driving national safety council. Driving in the winter weather provides a whole new set of challenges for any truck driver. Research shows that drivers texting while driving took their eyes off the forward road for 4. If you put your truck, trailer and load in the ditch, chances are, youll find yourself standing alone without support from anyone.
Once the windshield is frozen, scrape off the ice and continue driving with the defrosters. Now lets look at some truck driver safety tips specific to semitrucks, as there are some key differences when driving one of these large, heavy trucks versus other smaller motor vehicles. Driving in the winter can be harrowing, especially in snowstorms and icy conditions. Always, always use your best common sense judgement and refer to specific rules and instructions from your carrier. Other motorists may not be aware of a trucks no zones those where crashes are most likely to occur. The driver should not use hisher phone while driving. Truck drivers will learn winter driving safety tips in this informative video. Truck should be outfitted with good quality lug tires winter tires. Related 10 truck driving safety tips every professional driver should follow. Treacherous conditions test your abilities as a driver. It is relative to where you are at and to what conditions you are used to.
Safety tips for truck drivers on the road 123loadboard. Truck driver tips whether youre starting your first week as a new truck driver or youve logged over one million miles on the road, driving an 18wheeler presents many challenges. Whether youre just out of truck driver school or a seasoned veteran on the roads, winter weather can make operating your rig a tricky proposition use these winter driving safety tips for commercial drivers to make sound decisions and be safe out on the roads this winter. Remember, if winter weather is forecast, eliminate all unnecessary travel. When traveling in colder climates one must always be ready for whatever you may encounter.
Safety is always the most important part of your journey as a truck driver, and when winter strikes, the weather can put you at risk. Truck drivers, especially, must be prepared to face the hazards that winter driving brings. Weve seen some crazy winter weather lately and its never a bad time to take a look at. Safety tips for truck drivers tips for truck drivers cdl. The odds of being involved in a crash, nearcrash, or unintentional lane deviation are 23. Its easy to forget after months of mild conditions that snow and ice demand careful driving and special preparation for your vehicle. Here are 10 winter driving tips for truck drivers that can help you stay safe this winter. But when 17 percent of all vehicle crashes occur during winter conditions its clear that we. Slow down at fault accidents are mostly due to excessive speed.
Stress how important it is to avoid any distractions when driving. Understanding the serious hazards on the road when winter weather is in full swing and knowing how to stay safe in the face of those dangers can be the difference between a conscientious driver and a dangerous one. Even though fog is often unexpected and visibility can deteriorate quickly, truck drivers need to quickly adjust to meet conditions whether or not other motorists do. Winter driving tips for truck drivers shift into winter. Winter driving tips for truck drivers winter driver safety. Read more of our winter driving safety tips and learn how to keep yourself safe this season. Driving safely in winter weather can be a challenge for even the most experienced driver.
Winter driving tips from a pro trucker web originals. Truck driving in winter is actually a very open ended statement. As a truck driver, there are some simple things that you can do every day to ensure your own safety, as well as the safety of other drivers who share the road. After all, winter driving in upstate new york is not the same as.
Driving a tractor trailer in serious canadian winter conditions, demands a specific set of skills for all drivers, especially big rig drivers. For dvds on safety for heavy and tractor trailer truck drivers, search the resource centers safety dvd catalog under the following subjects. Professional drivers should not ever skip any safety steps when driving. Weve compiled a list of five truck driver tips from fellow truckers to ensure your time on the road is not only efficient but safe. Safety tips on how to drive in fog cdl truck driving. Winter driving tips for truck drivers safety tips for. It will depend on the type and size of your load, too. Heres our list of truck driver safety pointers perfect for both drivers new to their vehicles and savvy pros looking for a quick refresher. Extra patience and care for other drivers can help a lot. Following distance allow for more room between yourself and other. Getting your truck prepared for winter is essential to prevent any major problems. Park in a safe spot and turn your defrost to the coldest temperature setting.
Basic car safety encourages the use of seat belts and car seats at all times. Safe winter driving occupational safety and health. However, if you must travel, penndot offers the following tips for safe driving this winter season. The key to safe winter driving is planning and preparedness. The most common dangers for truck drivers when it comes to winter weather driving are freezing temperatures, frozen roads, snow, ice, freezing rain and high wind gusts. Winter driving tips for truck drivers roadmaster drivers school.
Not only must commercial drivers contend with other motorists, dangerous weather conditions, and wandering wildlife, but they must do so while operating large rigs, often carrying heavy and sometimes dangerous cargo. Look for soft tires, air leaks, check under the truck for any dripping coolant or oil. Winter safety tips for truckers slow down the majority of accidents, whether a traditional car or a big rig, are caused by excess speed. By getting your car ready for winter and using some simple tips to drive safely, you can face almost any weather mother nature decides to send your way. Winter can be a dangerous and hazardous time for driving a truck. The driver should also not think that it is safe to employ handsfree technology while driving.
Winter safety tips for truckers limited or reduced visibility and traction are among the most frequent reasons for winter weatherrelated accidents. Winter safety tips for truck drivers cdl training today. It is of the utmost importance to travel at a speed that is appropriate for bad weather conditions. It doesnt matter how good of a driver you are, if you dont respect the road conditions you wont make it to your destination. We will be discussing what you should be looking for when these conditions are present. Our top winter driving tips for truck drivers for keeping the rubber side down.
This will keep you and your family safe and allow penndot to more easily perform its winter duties. This winter, keep in mind the following winter weather driving tips for truckers taken from schneiders 68page winter survival guide for truck drivers. Remember to employ three points of contact at all times when entering or exiting the tractor, trailer, or climbing onto or down from the catwalk. More than 107 million americans will travel more than 50 miles this holiday season, a 3% increase from last year. Essential safety tips for winter truck driving transport.
A truck is a massive vehicle that needs special care when driving. Home driver safety 10 winter driving tips for truck drivers. Trucking in winter can be extremely dangerous, and demands a specific set of skills to be able to safely reach your destination. Safe winter driving winterdrivingcanbehazardousandscary,especiallyinnorthernregionsthatget alotofsnowandice.