Semi Trucks in the Snow
Winter driving is difficult for everyone on the road, but it is especially challenging for truck and other over-sized vehicle drivers. Prevent accidents by ensuring your vehicle is equipped properly before you begin your trip in winter weather.
Radiator
- There should be proper winter coolant and no leaks.
Tires
- Winter roads provide very little traction, so be sure to have good tread depth.
Heater, Defroster and Wiper Blades
- Make sure you will be able to keep the windshield clear in the event of a heavy snow, sleet or hail storm.
Battery
- Cold weather lowers battery power; make sure yours is in good shape.
Fifth Wheel Lubrication
- Use a winter-grade lubricant, because a summer-grade lubricant could cause steering issues in low temperatures.
Driving Tips
- If you become stuck in deep snow, do not spin your wheels. Instead, move them from side to side to push the snow away and pack it down.
- Accelerate slowly and gently to ease out of a patch of ice or snow.
- Leave a greater following distance and gear down when stopping.
- The best way to stop on ice without antilock breaks is by a rapid, light pumping of the pedal.
- During heavy storms with low visibility, take time to pull over and occasionally wipe off headlights, stoplights and taillights so that other vehicles can see you.
- Beware of low underpasses in the winter, as ice or packed snow accumulated on the road could increase your vehicle's clearance height.
- To recover from a jacknife on ice, rely on steering rather than the accelerator or breaks.
TSA: Truckers Service Association
Truckers Service Association is a non-profit organization we work with to deliver specialized benefits and insurance products to owner-operators to optimally protect their businesses and families. Find out more about TSA by visiting their website, www.tsatruck.com. TSA offers a number of value-added benefits to drivers with membership.
TrueNorth Keeps You Safe on the Road
At TrueNorth, our mission is to assist transportation companies and their people with protecting and maximizing assets, resources and opportunities. Learn how TrueNorth's Transportation Division can help you achieve your goals and provide peace of mind while you're on the road. Call us today at (800) 877-9637.