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Lifesaving Tips For Bad Weather Driving

Accidents and traffic fatalities tend to occur more frequently during severe weather conditions – snowstorm, rain, or fog. When the goal of truck drivers is safety and timeliness, bad weather can create quite the predicament. Here are some safety tip considerations for driving in inclement weather.

snowy road

Snow:

  • Driving in snow is serious business. Don’t drive when you’re tired. Driving should have your full attention.
  • Do not drive if you aren’t feeling well.
  • Inflate your tires properly. Poor tires could lead to poor traction.
  • Avoid using cruise control while driving on a slippery road.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Should inclement weather get you stuck, you’ll have enough fuel to keep the engine running and stay warm until help arrives.
  • Be cautious when slowing or stopping.
  • Increase following distance and allow adequate time to stop.
  • In any weather, wear your seatbelt at all times.

Rain:

  • Maximize visibility by ensuring that your windshield wipers work correctly.
  • Confirm that your brake lights, headlights, and turn signals are functioning well.
  • Turn on headlights.
  • Slow down for excessive water on the road.
  • Reduce speed. Don’t rush.
  • Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
  • Avoid excessive brake application to minimize likeliness of hydroplaning

Foggy:

  • Focus. Focus. Focus.
  • Adjust your speed as needed.
  • Use the low beam headlights to avoid impairing visibility. High beams can reflect in the fog and blur vision.
  • If available, use fog lights to illuminate the road and to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.
  • Slow down, but don’t stop. If you can’t see the road properly, reduce your speed instead of stopping on the road. Avoid a complete stop so that you don’t get rear-ended.
  • No one is ever the only driver on the road. Be mindful and respect other drivers so everyone arrives at their destination safely.