It’s that time of the year again when we plan for the festivities. While we prepare for the holiday season, we are also preparing for a cold winter, with a likelihood for heavy snowfall on some days. Even though some are planning a holiday, others remain on the job, making deliveries that we depend on. If you are a truck driver, it is important to ensure you take the appropriate safety precautions as we approach the winter months. For a closer look at how you can avoid common problems that truck drivers often face during the winter months, keep reading.
Preventing Common Winter Truck Issues
An estimated 25% of accidents that occur within the United States happen due to weather conditions, with a large number accounting for the winter months. During these months, roads can be slippery due to rain and the buildup of ice. The number of tracks on the road throughout the United States is increasing consistently and makes up for 73% of all cargo that is moved within the country. In order to keep you safe, here’s a few important tips to prevent truck issues on the road this winter.
Tires
Start with your tires, as they need to provide stability when you are on the road. Make sure the threads on your tires are still in good condition and that your tires are inflated to the right point. When you take good care of the tires on your truck, you can effectively avoid having a truck that slips on the road while you are driving.
Engine
It is important to also focus on the engine in your truck. Make sure it is in good running condition. Start the truck and look for any faults in the engine while it is idle. Make sure the batteries are charged and consider levels of antifreeze and oil in the engine.
Lights
When you drive in rain or snow storms, it is crucial to ensure your lights are able to provide an indication of the road ahead. Lights will also show other drivers that you are present on the road when it gets foggy. Make sure you check all of the lights on your truck and ensure they work as intended. This includes the high brightness feature that the front lights on your truck features.
Wipers
Snow and rain collecting on the windscreen of your truck can be bothersome. It can reduce the visibility of the road ahead. This is why you should ensure the wipers on your truck are in perfect condition. Turn on the wipers and ensure they work correctly. Inspect the wipers and look at the blades. Make sure they are not worn out.
Fuel
Filling up your tank with fuel before you hit the road is definitely a good idea. When you have a full tank, it considerably increases the overall weight of your truck. This can help to add greater stability on the road as well. When you fill-up the tank, you also reduce the risk that you may run out of fuel on the road.
Plan Ahead
It is always a good idea to plan ahead for the weather conditions that you may face while driving the truck. Make sure you consider the routes that you will drive on and check the weather reports for these areas. Subscribe to weather updates, as this can help to ensure you are aware of upcoming storms. In these cases, make a plan for where you can pull over and wait for the storm to pass, as this is an excellent safety step that you should take in these events.
Beacon Transport Cares About Your Safety
At Beacon Transport, we believe that safety should always be a priority when it comes to driving trucks during the winter months. We care about our drivers and hope this guide will help you understand what steps you should take to ensure you are properly prepared for slippery roads, heaps of snow, and the extremely cold weather you may face during winter. We also provide hauling services for dry freight that are non-hazardous, working with companies like Hill’s Pet Nutrition and John Deere. If you are unable to meet your quota due to the winter conditions, get in touch with us, and we’ll see how we are able to assist you.
