You’re on the road a lot. If you let bad weather stop you, you’d never make any money. That being said, storms, snow, and other inclement weather can be dangerous. Adjusting your driving during storms keeps you safe and avoids deadly and expensive accidents.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Watch the Weather Forecast
Before you get on the road, you can watch the local news or use one of the many weather apps that are available to check the conditions at your current location and where you’re headed. This way, you’ll always know if what’s going on and can prepare accordingly.
Slow Down
The moment the roads get wet or slick or visibility decreases, slow down. With or without a trailer, your truck is heavier than the average vehicle. If you go into a spin or need to stop abruptly, it’s going to be harder to do. The chances of an accident increase during storms, and they’re worsened by high speeds.
Tap the Brakes and the Gas
Don’t pound the brake or gas in bad weather. Your tires could lock up and you might spin out. In some weather conditions, you might lose traction and slide along the road. Speed up and slow down gently and carefully to maintain control on the road.
Look Out for Black Ice
If it’s cold, rainy, and near freezing temperatures, assume black ice is out on the road. You usually won’t see it until you’re right on top of it which is another reason to slow down. If you see ice develop on parts of your truck, that’s a good indication ice is forming on the road, too.
Take Precautions on Inclines and Turns
Your size and weight already work against you on hills and when you need to turn. In stormy weather, it’s even worse. Slow down and take your time. Don’t take a turn at breakneck speed. And as you climb an incline, pay attention to the wind gusts or a drop in temperature. The wind can knock you around and the sudden drop in temperature may impact your wheels.
Give Yourself Plenty of Space
On the sunniest day, you need more space to stop and slow down than a passenger vehicle. It’s especially true in bad weather. Let others go around you and give yourself even more space between you and other vehicles. If something goes wrong as you brake, you’ve got more room to come to a stop.
Stay in Your Truck
If the weather is really bad — blizzard, life-threatening rain, etc — and you’re out in the middle of nowhere, stay in your truck. As long as you’ve got power and supplies (more on that in a minute), you may be able to ride out the storm safely. Stay in communication with another driver or the dispatch office so someone knows where you are and what your situation is.
Pack Plenty of Supplies
Before you get on the road, make sure you’ve got plenty of supplies in case you need to ride out a storm in your truck. Pack warm clothes if you’re going to cooler areas as well as rain gear, in general. Have enough food and water to get you through a few days. Don’t forget a flashlight, extra batteries, blankets, and a first aid kit.
Get Off the Road
Yes, you’ve got a schedule to keep, and you need to drop this haul off so you can move on to the next one, but remember, your life isn’t worth that delivery. If the weather is bad enough — you can’t see, it’s a blizzard, ice is all over the road, hurricane force winds — get off the road and ride out the storm safely. In truly bad conditions, you might not have a choice because the roads might be closed anyway.
Understand The Adverse Driving Conditions Rule
FMCSA regulations grants drivers a two hour extension in unforeseeable adverse driving conditions like snow, sleet, ice, and fog. Property carriers can drive up to 13 hours in a 16-hour window and passenger carriers can drive up to 12 hours in a 17-hour window if you’re affected by the weather. But this rule does not apply to predictable adverse conditions such as being on the road during a hurricane or driving through mountain ranges known for snow and ice. In those cases, plan your route and delivery date accordingly.
Driving a truck takes you through all sorts of terrains, and a few hazards are just part of the job. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions out on the road, especially in bad weather. Stay safe out there so you can keep eating up the miles and making a living.
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