Winter is upon us again, which means more problems on the road and you need to pay more attention to important things that will keep your life safe.
After all, a truck driver has a family waiting for you at home, and in general, life is interesting and there is no point in dying prematurely.
Causes of Accidents
If we talk about the most common causes of accidents involving trucks, here are some of them:
● tire problems - no chains that provide additional traction, especially in icy conditions;
● faulty brakes;
● improperly loaded and secured cargo;
● failure of the truck's power unit;
● failure of the steering system.
Truck Driver Winter Driving Safety Tips
Therefore, we have prepared some essential tips to keep both truck drivers and the cargo they transport safely.
Do not exceed the speed limit!
In most cases, accidents occur due to speeding, as it reduces the ability of a truck driver to negotiate turns or avoid other vehicles on the road. This is especially true for heavy-duty semi-trucks, which require a much longer distance to come to a complete stop. Remember that it is better to hurry slowly and arrive alive than to end up in a cemetery, or worse, to be the cause of someone's death - a passenger or a pedestrian. After all, life is unique! Take care of yourself!
Do not get distracted while driving!
Very often, truck drivers send sms while driving or talk on the phone - all this can wait. Inattention on the road can cost you your life.
Do not get behind the wheel of a truck while intoxicated!
Driving a truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs the driver's ability to quickly react to various situations on the road and make sensible decisions. It is no secret that truck drivers are prone to drinking alcohol and drugs due to the long time on the road. Some truckers use these substances to get high and stay energetic, but the effects of drugs and alcohol wear off quickly and only make you more tired.
Stay safe and keep a safe distance
Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the traffic in front of your truck and next to your truck whenever possible (about ¼ mile). Always keep a safe distance, especially in bad weather. If the leader makes a mistake, you will make a mistake too. Trucks can go off the road and your truck can follow the lead truck. Avoid tailgating, do not make sudden lane changes, signal when changing direction or lane, and yield where possible and necessary to avoid accidents.
Avoid riding in a group
Traffic often appears to travel in groups on the highway. Find a safe way to break away from the group and ride alone, to maximize the distance around your vehicle.
Do not follow the taillights of the vehicle in front
During snowfall, visibility is reduced, and seeing the taillights of a car in front means following too closely, which can lead to a collision.
Use common sense
If you observe a sudden deterioration in weather conditions, it is better to leave the road and wait out the storm in a safe place, parking lot or car park until the conditions become safe.
Try not to stop on the side of the road
Especially in poor visibility, when driving in winter, in "blinding snow" - other vehicles may mistake your position for being on the road and as a result, crash into the back of your truck.
Obey the rules of the hours of work!
Remember - you are not a superhero and you need rest, especially when the weather is raging and fatigue levels increase.
Brake carefully!
This is very important on icy roads. Try not to overuse the foot brake. Don't brake too hard when the entire truck and trailer are not on a straight road. The trailer can slide and throw you out of your position - the truck slows down, but the trailer does not. This is especially true when the trailer is empty.
Make sure the truck's "all systems" are working properly
Always check that the defroster and heater are working properly before driving off. Check the windshield wipers, and wiper motor, and test the headlights, especially the brake and tail lights, is there enough washer fluid - if not, top up. Drain the air reservoirs, and check all the brakes. Clean the windows and mirrors so that they are completely clean before driving off.
Fill the fuel tanks
This is not only a reserve of fuel, but also the additional weight over the drive tires, which will improve traction. And do not forget that quality tires with lugs and the correct tire pressure are essential for good traction and safe winter driving.
Simplify and automate your drivers’ winterization process with EasyWayPro TMS
EasyWayPro TMS introduces a game-changing Checklist feature designed to keep your fleet safe and compliant during the cold months. With this tool, fleet managers can create tailored winter checklists for drivers, including critical tasks like inspecting tire chains, heaters, and windshield wipers. To ensure accountability, drivers are required to upload photo proof for each completed item, providing real-time updates and transparency. This streamlined process helps prevent potential hazards and ensures your team is prepared for winter challenges, saving time and enhancing safety.
