We’re in the thick of snow, ice, freezing rain and even fog. These are not ideal weather conditions for anyone, especially truck drivers. As expected, these factors can contribute to dangerous and deteriorating road conditions.
According to Forbes Advisor, “13% of large truck accidents involved bad weather conditions. Harsh weather impacts visibility, and snow, ice, and slick roads can impact vehicle control. While winter weather can be especially high risk, and even conditions such as wind and rain can increase the likelihood of a crash.” Also consider this: “Poor visibility is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in the United States—causing an average of 600,000 accidents per year.”
As a truck driver, recognize deteriorating road conditions and get off the road before they get too bad. Because trucking safety is priority one, here are three tips to help you remember when the weather has taken a turn for the worse:
- When there’s precipitation and the temperature is low, watch for ice build-up on mirrors and wipers as an indicator of ice on the roadway.
- Exercise caution when driving across bridges or shaded roadway areas, as ice will form first.
- Slow down well before turns, loops and on-ramps. Braking heavily while turning can cause the vehicle to jackknife or skid off the roadway.
Knowing when to get off the road is just as important as knowing what to do on the road. We encourage you to watch weather messages and factor that into your trip planning. Whether you’re new to driving or a veteran, check out our blog “Trucking Tips for the Rookie Driver: Driving During the Winter.” Also, read more about trucking safety in our blog, “Top 5 Winter Driving Tips for Over-the-Road Drivers.”
