Top 10 Tips on How to Drive Safely in Extreme Conditions
Trucking is already a difficult job, but when you add adverse weather conditions to the equation, it becomes even more challenging. As a truck driver, you need to stay alert and familiarize yourself with the appropriate safety measures during different weather conditions to avoid any unfortunate situations on the road. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the impact of weather on trucking and 10 tips on how to drive safely in extreme conditions.
Check the weather forecast before hitting the road — It’s important to always be aware of any incoming weather conditions to plan your route and schedule accordingly. Check the weather forecast before starting your trip and keep monitoring it throughout the journey.
Slow down — When driving in severe weather conditions, your speed should always be reduced to ensure you have enough time to react to any unexpected situations. Remember, it’s better to be late than never.
Maintain a safe distance — In poor visibility and slippery road conditions, it’s critical to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Keep a minimum gap of at least several car lengths between you and other drivers.
Adjust your mirrors — In snowy or rainy conditions, your mirrors are likely to fog up or get covered in snow. Before driving, adjust them to ensure you have full visibility on the road.
Use your headlights — Whether it’s raining, snowing, or there’s fog, always use your headlights to improve visibility. Turn on your headlights, even during daylight hours, to alert other drivers of your presence.
Don’t use cruise control — Avoid using cruise control when driving in extreme weather conditions. Cruise control can cause your vehicle to lose traction, especially in slippery or icy roads.
Brake slowly and cautiously — Rapid acceleration and sudden braking are a recipe for disaster when driving in severe weather conditions. When you need to brake, do it slowly and cautiously.
Don’t make sudden lane changes — In extreme weather conditions, avoid making sudden lane changes as they can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Only make lane changes when it’s absolutely necessary.
Keep an emergency kit — No matter how prepared you are, emergencies can always happen. Keep an emergency kit in your truck with essential items such as water, food, blankets, and a flashlight.
Stay alert — Most importantly, stay alert and focused on the road. Avoid any distracting activities such as using your phone or eating while driving. Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Conclusion:
The weather can have a significant impact on trucking, but there are steps you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Make sure to check the weather forecast, slow down, maintain a safe distance, adjust your mirrors, use your headlights, avoid using cruise control, brake slowly, avoid sudden lane changes, keep an emergency kit, and most importantly, stay alert. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when driving in extreme conditions.