Whenever traveling in colder regions during in winter driving conditions, you must always be prepared for the unexpected.
Never drive in hazardous circumstances, and don’t wait for the snow of the decade to put the necessary goods inside your truck’s cab.
During the winter, you should always keep the following items in your truck: Warm clothes, a flashlight, a cover, food, water, a pouch of sand or salt, extra windshield washer fluid and antifreeze, a windshield spatula, jumper cables, cell phone and charger, tire chains, and at least a half tank of gas are all essential items to have on hand.
Before planning long trips, keep in mind the weather changes you can experience. In a couple of hours, north-south roads and highways via mountain roads may take you through a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures.
It’s critical to have up-to-date weather reports, an organized emergency kit, and to drive safely at all times. Read about safe driving techniques for maintaining traction in cold weather.
Do an inspection before your trip in winter driving conditions
Before each trip, drivers are expected to examine their trucks. Using a visual, hands-on examination, check all needed equipment, such as tires, windshield wipers, fluids, and lights. When the weather is bad in winter driving conditions and the temperature is low, check your truck more frequently.
Slow down and be more cautious in winter driving conditions
Most winter accidents occur as a result of drivers going too fast for such circumstances. A slower tempo in winter driving conditions allows you to respond more quickly if anything unexpected happens. Drifting, along with loss of control due to slush, tends to be more common at greater speeds.
Going over 35 mph and driving within the first 10 minutes of rainfall are two of the riskiest occasions for slipping. More patience and consideration for other drivers should be exercised at all times to prevent accidents.
Gradually break and accelerate in winter driving conditions
When the weather is terrible in winter driving conditions , avoid doing anything rashly. When utilized correctly, anti-lock braking systems may be your best friend. The ABS keeps the wheels from locking up, allowing you to maneuver past obstacles.
If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, consider softly pumping your brakes if you need to slow down fast in slick weather. This decreases the likelihood of your tires locking up and going out of control.
Keep an eye out for Black Ice in winter driving conditions
For truckers, black ice is a risky road hazard. When the temperature is near freezing, a thin coating of clear ice develops, giving the road a somewhat moist appearance.
Never think the road is only damp because the sun is shining. Always keep up to date on weather conditions in your region, especially ice accumulation forecasts.
When the temperature drops below freezing, check for subtle indicators like ice build-up on a truck’s mirrors, antennas, or top borders of the windshield, and also tire spatter from cars ahead of you will stop.
Prepare yourself for mountain driving
In the wintertime, the weather in mountains may be harsh and unexpected, and it frequently changes. Be prepared for strong winds and keep an eye out for emergency vehicles and snowplows.
Avoid stopping in avalanche zones if at all reasonable.
Follow the established rules, which differ by state. Certain roads may need the use of tire chains. Due to snow and ice, several roads may be entirely blocked in harsh weather. Examine the weather forecast and keep an ear out for any road closures along your journey.
If you’re stranded or stuck, stay in your truck in winter driving conditions
If you get caught in a bad storm and slide off the roadway stay still if you can’t see a nearby spot to obtain help. In a severe storm, it’s easy to become disoriented and lose your way.
Wrap yourself under a blanket. Keep the exhaust system clean of snow and crack a side window lightly for air to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Every hour, run your engine for 10 to 15 minutes only.