| Winter driving can be tough for seasoned drivers, | | | | Make sure your truck is ready for the trip. Do a |
| much less new ones. Your first decision should be | | | | good pre trip inspection. |
| whether or not you should drive in it. Every driver | | | | Once you hit the road: |
| has a different idea of what they are comfortable | | | | There are no "secret truck driving tricks" for |
| driving in. Use your own judgment instead of | | | | winter driving. Common sense and patience is |
| being pressured into driving in weather that you | | | | what you need to get around safely. |
| feel is unsafe. | | | | You should plan to have plenty of time to get |
| Your decision should factor in: | | | | where you are going. Keep in mind you may |
| The conditions of the roads - are the salt trucks | | | | change you're mind once you get moving. Know |
| out? etc... | | | | where the truck-stops and rest areas are in case |
| Your weight - empty or bobtailing is riskier. | | | | you want to pull in someplace. |
| The weather forecast - is the bad weather going | | | | GO SLOW |
| to pass soon? | | | | Your biggest risk may be from other drivers |
| Company policy - What are your company's | | | | around you. Give them plenty of room to screw |
| guidelines for bad weather? | | | | up without dragging you into their accident. |
| Once you have made the decision to go make | | | | Use your defroster and heated mirrors. |
| sure you have the supplies you need. | | | | Your driving should be very smooth. No sudden |
| Carry enough food and water for a few days. | | | | movements. Go easy on the accelerator, brakes |
| Make sure you have plenty of warm clothing and | | | | and in turns. |
| blankets. A good heavy coat with a hood, gloves, | | | | Keep your speed down and give yourself plenty |
| and thick socks. | | | | of room to stop in case the traffic in front of |
| Keep more blankets than you think you need. If | | | | you does. |
| your truck shuts-down due to mechanical failure in | | | | Pay attention to the wind and ruts in the road. |
| the winter you will want them. | | | | These can make you feel like you are sliding on |
| Have a few bags of salt with you. You would be | | | | ice. |
| surprised how little traction your truck has on | | | | Be aware of the tricky areas. Bridges are the |
| packed snow or ice. | | | | most likely places to have ice on them. However, |
| Anti-gelling fuel treatment. (Check with your shop | | | | black ice is hard to see and can be anyplace. Look |
| - some companies don't allow this.) | | | | for ice build-up on your mirrors. This is a good sign |
| Extra washer fluid for the wipers. You will use a | | | | that conditions are favorable for black ice to form |
| lot of fluid just keeping the road chemicals off | | | | in spots. |
| your windshield. | | | | Keep your CB radio on. Listen for reports of slick |
| Fuel in your tanks. The more fuel in your tanks | | | | spots or traffic accidents. |
| the less moisture you have to worry about. | | | | Do not be pressured to deliver a load in weather |
| Boots or work shoes - not sneakers. Boots will | | | | you do not feel safe driving in. If you slide off the |
| keep your feet warmer and don't stink when | | | | road or hit somebody, your company will protect |
| they are wet like sneakers. | | | | themselves first, and then you. |