| Fall has arrived and it is that time of year again | | | | your APU |
| when the start of the cold weather patterns can | | | | - A well stocked first aid kit |
| throw up some of the worst driving conditions | | | | - Your prescription medication if you have any |
| known to man. As a professional CDL Driver you | | | | - Cell phone with charger |
| will be well aware of the dangers as we approach | | | | - Windshield scrapers for removing build up of |
| the season where icy and snow laden hazardous | | | | snow and ice. |
| roads are part of our normal daily lives. | | | | - Snow chains for tires |
| If your work takes you into the Northwest and | | | | - Traction mats |
| Northeast you will be particularly conscious of the | | | | - Jumper cables. |
| probable hazards that await you. Preventing a | | | | During your CDL driving career you will without a |
| break down is never more important than at this | | | | doubt encounter wet and slippery roads and icy |
| time of year, and with a little forward planning, a | | | | conditions during winter. You should compensate |
| great deal of unnecessary discomfort can be | | | | for the treacherous conditions by slowing down to |
| eliminated. | | | | increase your traction, whilst simultaneously being |
| It is not only timely, but also a great idea to test | | | | aware of other vehicles around you. Remember |
| out vehicles to make sure everything is in top | | | | also, that 'patient is a virtue'. |
| operational condition before starting out on those | | | | The gentle use of brakes will assist you to avoid |
| freezing long haul or even short-haul jobs. This will | | | | locking up your rig and sliding off the road. You |
| help you steer clear of any unforeseeable issues | | | | should also be conscious of overzealous |
| that might occur on the first icy morning you | | | | acceleration as this can have a similar effect. The |
| come across. | | | | name of the game is to keep your rig on the |
| Batteries are likely to be the first to suffer under | | | | road. Give yourself enough room up ahead to be |
| a demanding wintry environment, and you must | | | | able to slow down safely should you need to stop |
| have them checked pre-winter for reliability. You | | | | unexpectedly. |
| will be glad you took a little extra time and effort | | | | Sobering research shows that the distance you |
| when the light is fading, the snow is falling and | | | | will need for stopping on ice at 0 degrees F, is |
| turning to ice, and there is a strong wind blowing | | | | twice the distance that you would need if you |
| with a chill factor that you might not even want | | | | were stopping with a temperature of 32 degrees |
| to think about. | | | | F. |
| Preventative maintenance is the key to a winter | | | | Black Ice is a phenomenon that causes many |
| with less on road dramas. It is designed to | | | | accidents. It can often appear as looking like just |
| prevent trouble from happening in the first place, | | | | a wet road in front of you. There are warning |
| saving you long delays and lost work hours. Break | | | | signs however and as a professional driver you |
| downs can impact substantially on your income, | | | | will be looking for ice build up on road signs and |
| so it makes sense to have yourself and your | | | | trees in the vicinity. The most telling sign to watch |
| truck prepared. | | | | for is when a vehicle in front of you suddenly |
| Winter is a notably more dangerous time on the | | | | stops spraying water at you from their tires. You |
| roads, even for the most experienced and skillful | | | | can be sure that they have hit a patch of black |
| CDL drivers. We have compiled a list below to | | | | ice! |
| lend a hand to every CDL A Diver regardless of | | | | You can also avoid hazards on the road by |
| their experience, to pick up a couple of tips to | | | | deceleration and steering around the object on |
| make their job on the road easier: | | | | the road, rather than braking suddenly and causing |
| Ensure your truck is in good condition, and do | | | | your rig to jack-knife. Professional drivers are also |
| regular checks during your trip. | | | | aware how important it is to have a good grip on |
| Be sure to clean any ice and snow off your | | | | the steering wheel at all times, particularly when |
| vehicle particularly around the hood of the truck, | | | | driving in conditions where there is a strong side |
| and the lights and windows to always maintain the | | | | wind. |
| best visibility. | | | | Another tip is to keep updated on the latest |
| Always keep your gas tank half filled during | | | | weather conditions and forecasts for the region |
| winter, in case you are stranded on the roadside. | | | | you are going to be traveling to. Each state's |
| Check your Winter Driving Kit and make sure | | | | transportation radio station is a great source of |
| it includes: | | | | weather information. Always heed warnings that |
| - A flashlight with new spare batteries | | | | are issued and look for roadside warning signs |
| - Adequate warm winter clothing including gloves, | | | | which may specify the use of chains in snow |
| boots and jackets | | | | conditions. Be aware of the possibility of the |
| - Fresh drinking water and long-lasting food items | | | | presence of a snowplow, and always be aware of |
| such as canned food | | | | emergency vehicles during winter. Safe trucking... |
| - Blankets for warmth if you are not able to run | | | | |