In 2013, trucking transported nearly 15 billion tons of cargo. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that by 2040, that number is expected to increase to 18.79 billion tons. With these numbers in mind, it’s clear that the number of trucks on America’s roads and highways continues to increase on a day to day basis. As a truck driver, it’s your responsibility to understand the most essential tips to keep you and other drivers safe behind the wheel — especially during the snowy and icy conditions that typically come with winter weather. Here are just a few of the most important winter safety tips all truck drivers should know.
Maintain a Buffer
Many CDL driver school instructors agree that keeping a buffer between vehicles is essential during winter travel. Even the most experienced drivers can hit a patch of black ice and skid off the road, and keeping a wide space between vehicles both in front of and behind you minimizes the risk of your involvement in another vehicle’s crash. This is exponentially important to keep in mind during snowstorms and other serious inclement weather conditions.
Keep Lights Clean
After even a light dusting of snow, your truck’s external lights could become covered and obstruct your visibility. Make sure to stick to the habit of brushing them off with a snow brush and scraping off ice if necessary. It’s essential for your truck’s headlights to work properly, especially in a snowstorm when conditions are significantly impaired.
Know When Enough is Enough
Even if you’ve taken all the precautions in the world, there are times when the risk simply outweighs the reward when it comes to completing trucking jobs during a snowstorm. CDL driver school teachers agree that it’s important for you to recognize when you should tell yourself that enough is enough and pull over to rest for the night.
There were 3.5 million truck drivers employed in the U.S. in 2015, and there continues to be a consistent if not growing demand for truck drivers around the country. You never know when these vital winter safety tips could prevent an accident and even save a life. For more information about registering for truck driver training and taking CDL classes, contact Custom Diesel Drivers Training.
