Tips To Consider While Trucking In Winters

Safe Driving Tips For Winter

Truckers driving a truck-trailer in severe winter conditions demand a specific skill set and definitely years of expertise. Driving through challenging terrains where the weather conditions are harsh requires proficient driving skills and the truck and trailer to be in the best state possible and serviced by mobile repair services from Road Dogs. 

Trucking is a tough job, and even the most skillful truck drivers must adapt their driving style, especially on snow-covered or icy roads. Good maneuvering and skid control skills are essential in poor weather. Road Dogs’ emergency roadside assistance emphasizes that knowledge and proper, preventative safety skills for driving in poor conditions can truly separate professional drivers from the rest of the pack. 

Winter Trucking Tips By Road Dog’s Emergency Breakdown Service

Winters in Canada are harsh and can be frightening for truckers as they are the ones who have to drive on dangerous terrains during freezing temperatures requiring them to be extra cautious and alert. Apart from this, you must also have a proper winter driving routine that will keep you safe throughout the season. Here are some tips to help you combat unforgiving weather conditions.

Trucks and trailers are heavy-bodied motor vehicles used to carry cargo. They become relatively tricky to handle compared to their smaller counterparts, mainly because they lack traction on snowy and icy roads. The problem persists from starting, stopping and maneuvering to even when applying brakes on slippery roads. Poor visibility is an obstacle for them as the foggy days and nights make it difficult to see around, thereby increasing the chances of collisions and accidents.

Here are some tips from Road Dog’s emergency roadside services to help you combat unforgiving weather conditions.

Use your judgment:

It is the most important tip for a truck driver. Once trucking on the road, there is always a chance of an unforeseen incident/breakdown. To handle such a situation, remain calm, anxious free, without any panic and assess the situation with your power of judgment. Don’t panic and allow yourself to accept that it has happened and the best scenario is to get connected to Road Dogs emergency breakdown services. 

Do remember to follow your instincts:

• Trucking is no joke, and if you don’t feel up to driving on one fine day, do not take your truck on the road. 
• Weather conditions play a role in trucking, and in case you sense the weather is getting worse, wait, don’t continue until the weather gets better. 

Slow Down

GO Easy!! Yes, go easy on that accelerator in the winter. A road covered with snow requires speed adjustment, and that is to go slow. The reason accidents occur on snow-covered roads is because truckers don’t adjust their speed according to the road conditions. Truckers may need to compensate for the poor traction by reducing their speed. Moreover, going slow will also give you more time to react if anything goes wrong.

Avoid Slips & Skidding

Avoid skidding at all costs, but in case you do, then do the following recovery steps:

• Keep the steering wheel in your control at all times.
• Keep perfect hand-eye coordination, try not to accelerate and look for a safe spot to halt and park the truck.
• Remember this one- If it is a rear-wheel skid, follow the direction of the skid and if it is a front-wheel skid, straighten the steering wheel.

Winter Driving Gear

• Preparing for frightening winters requires going the extra mile by taking care of the following items before trucking. 
• Use winter tires which provide more control.
• Keep with you appropriate warm clothes with an extra pair of gloves and a blanket.
• A bag of salt and brush to remove snow.
• Flashlight along with surplus batteries. Even keep jumper cables, mobile phones and chargers. 
• Carry sufficient food and water, especially protein bars or any other energy giving food. 

Inspect the Vehicle

It is a must before you leave for any trip. Checking the condition of your truck or trailer is a wise precautionary measure. It should involve:

• Checking fuel levels and maintaining at least a half full tank.
• Get mobile truck repair services from Road Dogs to clean snow from the top of your truck or trailer.
• Without fail, get the tires, wires, cables and lights of the truck or trailer checked for any wear and tear. 

Watch Out For Clear Ice

Most accidents happen because of a thin layer of frozen water over the roads and its see-through quality. The clear ice is formed when the temperature is below zero and there is not much sunshine and frequently happens on roads below overpasses, bridges, etc. It is challenging to spot the clear ice and it makes the roads very slippery. In case you do hit some clear ice, it is also very important to keep a safe distance between your truck and other vehicles on the road to avoid collision and maneuver around carefully.

Emergency roadside and emergency breakdown services by Road Dogs are just a call away to make sure all your trucking trip in the winter go smooth and seamless.

Make Road Dogs a part of your emergency breakdown and maintenance Team!

 Road Dogs, Transports Best Friend!!!