As the sleepy sun takes a little longer to rise and the blanket of fog across the grassy meadow starts lying for a little longer, you know the seasons they are a changing. Winter is on the way and you will want to stay warm in your sleeper, wrapped in your blanket to avoid the cool morning air. You can slip on an extra pair of socks, throw on that fleece or turn to your scarf and gloves to protect you from the cold air. But what about when you are on the road? What precautions should you take as the snow falls or ice begins to cover the road? This is not a lesson in driving, just some tips to help you stay safe during the winter months.
Be Prepared, Plan Ahead
You have probably gone the “It’ll be fine” route, but taking a moment to be prepared can save you a lot of time and headaches down the road. If you have access to a television, the Weather Channel will give you a local forcast no matter where you are. National newspapers such as USA Today will show detailed road and weather condition reports. And as computers become more available to truck drivers, up-to-date weather reports are given on various Web sites. Check out these three for up to date road conditions included in your trip:
www.highwayconditions.com
www.travelforecast.com
www.usroadconditions.com
Your citizens band radio may be equipped with a weather band channel; if not, it may be time for an upgrade or a satellite radio system that provides detailed weather updates. Some road atlases now include district phone numbers that a driver can call to receive the latest road condition updates. GPS systems available from Garmin also have additional kits that can be added, giving you the road conditions at your destination. The weather could ultimately determine the direction you take for your delivery. With the wealth of resources available to learn of the conditions ahead, there should be no excuse for arriving at your destination surprised by the road conditions.
What to Look For
As you are rolling down the road, there are several indicators that will tell you caution is needed as the road may be freezing.
1. Road spray. Seeing road spray from other trucks or cars is a good sign. If the road looks wet and there is no spray, this may indicate that the road is starting to freeze. Remember to check for your own spray as well.
2. Other vehicles. Smaller, lighter vehicles will lose traction and control before trucks. Keep an eye on approaching traffic as well as what is moving in the same direction as you.
3. Be aware of road patches that do not receive sunlight. Be especially cautious of areas under bridges or over culverts, road slopes facing the east and roads covered in shade.
4. Ice buildup. Look for ice buildup on mirrors or spots that the wipers do not reach on your windshield.
5. Return trips. A road that was fine one day, may not be in the same condition the next day. As winter progresses and the day’s temperature changes, roads will lose heat that has built up over warmer days.
Winter Driving Kit
Items that you may already possess, or if not, they are available on the shelves of a Pilot Travel Center, make an ideal winter driving survival kit. Consider making these simple things part of your on-the-road travel kit so you’ll be prepared if you ever break down on the side of the road.
- Extra warm clothes, including thermal underwear, shoes, gloves and socks.
- Weatherproof/wet-weather clothing. If you need to be outside during unpleasant weather conditions, you will want to stay dry.
- Extra blankets, not only for you but for your co-driver as well. Arctic-rated sleeping bags are available at a reasonable price.
- Bottled water. Keep a good supply tucked away under your bunk.
- Matches, a lighter and candles. However, remember that no portable heaters or heating devices can be used inside your truck. They are illegal, not to mention dangerous.
- Canned food with an opener, snacks or other nonperishable food.
- Ice scraper. This simple plastic piece of mechanical brilliance can be a saving grace.
- First-aid supplies. Take a look at your old first-aid kit, update if necessary and maybe include a supply of your prescription medications.
- Thermometer. Try to get a good one that will read outside temperatures.
Watch Your Step
There are plenty of additives for your engine and equipment for your truck that can be used to help you through winter driving. But there is a greater need to look after yourself, as the last thing you want to do is slip and break a bone or injure yourself some other way. Take a moment to check the ground surface before climbing in or out of your rig. Use the handles that are on your truck and hold on tight. Check the steps on your truck even though you have driven out of the rain and snow.
A few winter driving tips to consider
- Take it easy. Try to avoid jerking movements with the wheel or jumping hard on the brakes.
- Back it down. Increase the distance between you and the vehicle you are following. But be ready for that one motorist who wants to cut in front of you.
- Be cautious of the slower vehicles you will come up on quickly, especially at night. Watch for snowplows at night.
- When driving over snow-covered roads, try to put one side of your truck and trailer on an area with traction.
- Heavy vehicles will have more traction. So be cautious of what is around you.
- Smooth downshifts when the road is slick will decrease your chances of skidding.
- Those warning signs on bridges and overpasses are true – they do freeze first – so be on the lookout.
- Don’t use your Jake brake or cruise control when the road is wet.
- Get to know the Department of Transportation state chain laws. Not all states have chain laws and those that do vary. Be sure to check on California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Montana and Wyoming.
- Be cautious on ramps when the road looks slippery. Ramps are notorious accident spots during wet weather.
- If you are stuck in your truck during inclement weather, stay put. Cell phones and CB radios will help get the word out.
