Are you an Ice Road Trucker? Well if you’re coming north anytime in the next upcoming months you may feel like one.
Freight has to be delivered on a year round basis. This means that truck drivers must drive in all types of weather conditions including sunshine and inclement weather. That includes driving through rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, ice, thunderstorms, tornadoes, high winds, etc. While there are common causes of truck accidents, many are caused by bad weather conditions. Heavy trucks of all sizes are difficult to maneuver and stop when faced with bad weather. This results in the occurrence of numerous serious and even fatal accidents.
Truck drivers must make preparations to be able to drive in all weather conditions. This is a must if you are an over the road driver and know you may be dispatched anywhere. If you are driving across the country you should be prepared for various weather conditions as it changes as you move across the country. You should pack accordingly having proper tools and equipment on hand.
A professional driver always should have clothing that will be appropriate for whatever weather conditions you encounter. Certainly keep water and some food on hand; and, consider having extra gloves, rain gear, a blanket, boots and loose layers of clothing. This also includes having basic safety equipment in your truck. Such as having a first aid kit and a good safety vehicle kit ( a flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, tire chains and other items you anticipate that you’ll need).
Prior to each trip drivers are required to do a thorough pre-inspection of the truck and trailer. This is an important step which allows you to check all important items including tires, lights, wiper blades, fluid etc.
All drivers, including non-commercial should have patience and drive according to weather conditions and visibility. If you encounter inclement weather conditions you should slow down. This is because many accidents occur because drivers are going too fast for road conditions. Maintain a safe following distance by leaving plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of or beside your truck. If you reduce your speed you would have more time to react in an emergency situation. Also, allow extra space on the road between your truck and other vehicles on the road, and plan on delays.
We wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season.
Drive safe my friends!
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