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Truck Driver Safe Driving Rules

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News Reports Truck Accidents

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Downsides of Driving a Truck in Winter

There are Lots of Downsides of Driving a Big Rig Truck in Winter

Not many people are happy with the weather changes especially if it’s a sudden change. Regardless of whether it’s the rise or fall of temperatures, it doesn’t bring much joy. The situation is even more unfavorable if that affects your daily job.

Now, those of you who usually spend time in offices should worry less than those whose jobs require being outside. They have to fight double. Take truck drivers for instance. All year-round they cruise the roads and have to adjust to every weather condition possible. Some weather conditions are easier, some are more difficult to adjust.

We believe that a great number of them would vote winter as the least favorite time of a year. There are a lot of downsides of driving a truck in winter and since winter is just around the corner, we will help you prepare better for what’s coming.

Snow on the Road

Get ready for tough winter conditions

First – Get ready for this job

Being a truck driver is at the very least a tedious and complex job. It is not just sitting in the cab and clicking off miles. We are talking about hundreds and hundreds of miles for one truck delivery.

When you look at the size of an average truck, it is clear that one has to be completely familiar with all of its components and to fully understands how the vehicle functions in order to be able to operate it the best way.

Then, there are various challenges and obstacles on the road that only make it more difficult for them to do their job.

In order to overcome everything that might come up, a truck driver needs to possess certain qualifications to be a successful one. You really have to have an attitude and such a personality to stay strong even in the most difficult moments such as being away from home for a long time or not getting regular sleep. That’s a lot of stress to put up with. And that is why, not everyone can do this job.

So, What are the Downsides of Driving a Truck in Winter?

Shorter Daytime Hours

Undoubtedly, one of the most difficult struggles is fighting nature. During the winter time you cannot count on long days. That is, you do not have so many hours of daylight at your disposal. And as much as you might enjoy the night ride, when you are driving a truck, it is much safer if you are riding it while the visibility is at its maximum. On the other hand, not every part of the country has the same conditions. So, when moving to California from another state, you will soon realize that even during winter, day lasts longer. And it is no wonder that there has been a large increase in the number of people who wish to move there permanently.

Highway at Dusk

Daylight lasts shorter

Definitely something to be extremely careful with and one of the biggest downsides of driving a truck in winter. Even rain during other time of a year can cause a problem on the road, let alone snow and ice. Our advice – adjust the speed according to conditions on the road. When the visibility is limited, you will have better chances to react timely in cases something unexpected occurs during the ride if you slow down a bit. Remember, even if you are driving at the speed limit, it is always better to slow down more if it is necessary. So even that recommended speed is sometimes too fast for icy roads. Hence, you have to follow safe driving rules in order to stay safe. Furthermore, your concentration has to be at a highest level to watch for the surrounding and to be able to read the terrain properly.

Maintain a proper space between other vehicles on the road

Contrary to popular belief that it is safer to drive in a column, you must not forget that you are operating a large, heavy vehicle which is probably fully loaded. Plus, as we mentioned earlier, roads covered in ice and snow are not really something that will work in your favor. That is why, in order to stay safe and minimize the risk of chain reaction crash, make sure to increase the distance from other vehicles on the road as much as possible. Having more space will allow you to maneuver your vehicle and make good enough decisions in case some accidents occur for which you need to follow certain procedures.  

Cars on the road

Don't Be a Part of a Pack On The Road

Not having proper equipment

This problem is actually almost equally serious no matter what kind of a vehicle you are maneuvering. Having proper equipment is a complete must if you mean to stay safe on the road. Especially if the journey is long and you are not a particularly experienced driver.

Unfortunately, there are many cases when people decide to do something alone, such as renting a moving truck when relocating in order to save some money. From everything you’ve read so far, it is clear enough that not everyone is fit for the job. Therefore, it is an absolute imperative to stay away from common mistakes when moving such as operating a vehicle you are not properly trained for.

tire chains

Having Proper Equipment is a Must

Inspect the vehicle inside and out

And so, before going on a long ride, make sure your truck is equipped with everything that is necessary for these conditions. Starting with tires, of course. Tire chains have to be set up, the overall condition of the vehicle must be in a perfect state, and also make sure that your gas tank is at least half full to avoid gas from freezing at low temperatures. The systems inside the truck such as the defroster and heater must work properly. All the lights must be in function and the motor needs to pass a rigorous inspection.

Without all of these things on your mind, do not even think about sitting in that vehicle and hitting the road. And even though there are many downsides of driving a truck in winter, they could be easier overcome if you follow some ground rules and prepare properly.