Winter Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

If you live in Ohio, you’re most likely used to driving in rain, sleet, and snow during the colder months. Although Ohio has been experiencing a mild winter this year, other parts of the country are still experiencing large amounts of snow and ice. With harsh road conditions, even the best of drivers can find themselves in a bad situation if they forget to take some basic precautionary measures when operating their semi-truck and trailer.

At Smith Springs, we work on a lot of vehicles, including semi-trucks. Some are privately owned and operated; others are part of a fleet. What we have experienced firsthand and have heard from other truck operators over the years is that safe driving in the winter boils down to a few, important tips.

Paying attention to these simple tips will not only help keep you safe, it will help keep our roadways safe. Take a look at our list of tips to remind yourself of the small things you can do to stay safe while driving this winter.

Preparation is Key

Maybe you’re a seasoned driver, or maybe you’re new to the industry. Regardless of your status, it will pay off if you make sure to be prepared for each and every route. Being prepared means that you need to take the time to do a couple of things before you even head out on your next trip:

• Pack extra clothing such as gloves, socks, and a windbreaker and/or rain gear in case you get stranded.
• Keep a flashlight in your glove compartment and a reflective vest on hand at all times.
• Stock extra food, water, and blankets in your cab.
• Make sure you have extra washer fluid and anti-gel ready for when you need it, because you will need it.
• Always keep your gas tank at least ½ full during the winter months.
• Pack your tire chains (if they aren’t already on), traction mats, and sand or kitty litter as back up in case you get stuck.
• Keep a detailed record of all the safe places to stop during your route, in case your planned stop is not accessible.
• Check the weather for your route ahead of time so you know what to expect.

Vehicle Inspection

We can sometimes take our truck for granted, hopping in and driving off without taking the time to do a full inspection. Even though it can mean time that you’re not on the road, doing an inspection before you leave can make all the difference in your safety on the road.

• Before any trip, you need to do a visual and hands-on inspection of your vehicle.
• Check your tires, wiper blades, all fluids, and your lights.
• Drain air from your truck’s tank and trailer tank to avoid frozen brakes.

Drive Safely

Once you are out on the road, there is only so much you can control. You cannot control the flow of traffic or how other drivers operate their vehicles, but you can control your own driving. Don’t overestimate your driving skills, especially when Mother Nature is turning winter weather for the worse.

• SLOW DOWN! Our number one tip for once you get out on the road is to slow down. Don’t let other drivers tell you how to drive your truck. Give yourself plenty of time to drive your route safely and according to road conditions.
• Keep a safe following distance at all times. Don’t get in a hurry and tailgate, sometimes roads can appear fine but once you put on the breaks, its bad news.
• Hold your steering wheel firmly with two hands, to avoid having the wheel jerk in one direction or another.
• Watch out for sign of black ice by monitoring ice on your vehicle or vehicles around you.

There you have it. It may not encompass everything you need to know about winter driving but it’s a good start.

Do you have specific tips you want to share? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Remember, if you need parts for your semi-truck or trailer or need a spring replacement or repair, call Smith Springs. We’re home of the One Day Service Center and will get the job done faster than the competitors. Call us today (800) 619-4652!