Driving is a dangerous task in general; inclement weather is an additional hazard that is difficult to avoid. Therefore, drivers must consider the following winter driving tips to maintain their safety and avoid any issues on the road.
As the colder weather approaches, its vital drivers consider the possibly dangerous situations that they may face. When driving in bad weather conditions, it’s all about staying focused, with your eyes on the road, remaining calm, and driving slower. Delivery times and customer service are important but should NEVER come before the driver’s safety.
5 Winter Driving Tips
Follow these five simple winter driving tips to avoid accidents during your journey:
1. Make sure your vehicle is in optimal condition.
Before starting your day behind the wheel, it’s critical to check your truck’s condition. Being proactive in your pre-trip inspection can reduce the instances of equipment failure and is a necessary component of your safety year-round. These are some of the fundamental elements you must check before you start your day:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Heating/cooling system
- Windshield wipers
- Fuel
- Lights
Making sure these systems are running smoothly during your pre-trip inspection will ensure your safe travels and improve the timely delivery of your shipment.
2. Check “road reports” and weather conditions.
Once your truck is in optimal conditions, two essential tools to use are road and weather reports since they will help you be informed and prepared. Looking at these reports will give you the “heads up” you need to avoid any unexpected and dangerous situations on the road. Additionally, suppose road and weather reports show significant inconveniences. In that case, you’ll be able to plan your journey differently, using alternate routes that will allow you to drive safer and deliver your freight on time.
Keep in mind there are times that an alternate route is not the best answer. Major truck lanes receive more attention from states to keep them clear and open for travel. They also have optimal parking and service options if you need to get off the road or have your equipment fixed.
When a major truck lane is closed, alternative routes may be more dangerous and closed last because they are not a priority. Also, alternative lanes have fewer safe places to stop and park and are traveled less by other trucks and law enforcement reducing your ability to get help if something happens. When in doubt, always consult with dispatch about the necessity of a route change.
3. Drive slower.
Reducing your speed is one of the most efficient ways to be safe on the road, especially when dealing with heavy rain and snow. We know deliveries must be met, but it’s best to maintain a slow and consistent speed during your journey to avoid skidding and losing control of your vehicle during these weather conditions.
Maintaining control of your vehicle is more manageable when driving at slower speeds and it also improves the amount of time you have to react to hazards. Be patient and calm during challenging situations and let other cars pass if they need to. The most important things are to maintain your safety first, then the integrity of your vehicle and your shipment.
4. Increase following distances.
Anything can happen on the road with these problematic conditions; therefore, it’s best to increase the space between vehicles so if something happens to the car in front of you, you’ll have time to break and react. It’s best to double the stopping distance from 3-5 seconds following distance to 6-8 seconds following distance, for example, when driving on icy roads. Increasing your following distance gives you more time and space to get stopped if you encounter a hazard.
5. Accelerate and decelerate steadily.
Hitting the breaks hard in harsh conditions can be very dangerous. Your vehicle’s tires may lose traction, making you lose control of the vehicle. Take your time when accelerating and decelerating to avoid loss of control or a jackknife. It’s important to remember that slowing down on icy roads takes longer; therefore, you must start breaking with enough distance between you and the other drivers or stop signs.
These are five simple winter driving tips you’ll be able to easily apply before your journey to keep you safe and allow you to deliver your shipment on time. Remember, safety comes first; therefore, you must try to control aspects in your hands and take the necessary precautions to drive safely and avoid any accidents on the road.