12 Jan Semi-truck Winter Driving Safety
Winter driving is difficult for everyone on the road, but it is especially challenging for trucks and other oversized vehicle drivers. Prevent accidents by ensuring your vehicle is equipped properly before you begin your trip in winter weather. The following preparations will help you stay safe in the winter weather.
Radiator
- There should be proper winter coolant and no leaks.
Tires
- Winter roads provide very little transaction, so be sure your tires have good tread depth.
Heater, Defroster, and Wiper blades
- Make sure you will be able to keep the windshield clear in the event of heavy snow, sleet, or a hail storm.
Battery
- Cold weather lowers battery power: make sure yours is in good shape.
Fifth Wheel Lubrication
- Use a winter-grade lubricant, because summer-grade lubricant could cause steering issues in low temperatures.
Driving Tips
- If you become stuck in deep snow, do no-spin your wheels. Instead, move them from side to side to push the snow away and pack it down.
- Accelerate slowly and gently to ease out a catch of ice or snow.
- Leave a greater flowing distance and gear down when stopping.
- The best way to stop on ice without antilock breaks is by rapid, light pumping of the pedal.
- During heavy storms with low and occasionally wipe off headlights, stoplights, and taillights so that other vehicles can see you,
- Beware of how underpasses in the winter, like ice or packed snow accumulated on the road, could increase your vehicle’s clearance height.
- To recover from a jackknife on ice, rely on steering rather than the accelerator or brakes.
No Comments