5 Safety Tips for Winter Trucking

Winter is here. Even when the weather outside is frightful, truckers have to keep driving. Icy roads and stormy weather conditions make drivers on the road at higher risk of accident and collision. It’s important to get your job done, but it’s also important to stay safe while doing it. When you’re on the road this winter, protect yourself and other drivers around you by keeping these easy safety tips in mind.

1. Inspect your vehicle before you get on the road

Doing a pre-trip inspection before hitting the road is an easy way to spot potential problems. Checking tires, windshield wipers, and lights before you need them can prevent problems once you get on the highway. In fluctuating winter temperatures it’s also particularly important to check your radiator fluid and oil.

2. Keep a safe driving distance

Maintaining adequate distance between yourself and other drivers is an easy way to avoid accidents. This way, even on icy roads, you’ll have a bit of extra space if you hit unexpected traffic or have to come to a quick stop. The amount of distance needed depends on the size of your truck, but keeping about a quarter mile or 400 meters when possible is a good rule of thumb.

3. Stay vigilant

Winter weather is unpredictable. Even if it’s not snowing, roads can still be snowy and icy. If the weather starts to change or bad weather is on the forecast, keep off the roads as much as possible. Staying tuned to local radio stations and weather updates is important. Be sure to obey all road signs and be especially cautious while driving in mountains and other icy areas.

4. Schedule repairs sooner rather than later

If you know your truck needs repairs, don’t wait until the last minute. Addressing any small issues in their early stages will keep them from becoming huge problems. From brake pads to cracked windshields, having all of your truck’s parts intact and functioning during in January and February is especially important. Being stuck on the side of the road in winter weather is especially dangerous, so be proactive and stop problems before they happen.

5. If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle

If you are stuck on the side of the road, staying in your vehicle is the safest option. Especially in conditions that are dark or when visibility is limited, its very important to stay off of roads and away from other cars. By getting out of the truck, especially in urban areas, you significantly increase your risk of injury and death. Instead, stay in the vehicle, turn on lights that indicate you are stuck, and seek assistance as soon as possible.

To all winter truckers and drivers, safety is of utmost importance when driving in rough weather. For upcoming truck repairs in Washington State contact us today!

Featured image courtesy of Pixabay.com.