Safety Driving Tips for Truck Drivers in Winter
Are you fond of travelling during the winters?
If yes, do you love travelling in someone else’s vehicle or you wish to use a vehicle being steered by someone?
No matter whatever way you prefer following, one thing that you always need to be sure about is the ‘safety tips’ – the most important factor to determine the well-being of your life. And you need to care very well about these measures while driving.
You might be wondering about what measures could be taken as safety tips for the truck drivers during the winter; right?
Don’t worry. Today, in this blog, I’m going to introduce four road safety tips in winter for truck drivers. Keep going through this blog to its end. I’m sure these tips will help you assure your safety while driving on the road.
Plan Your Route Wisely & Carefully
If you’re planning for a trip during the winter, always do it a few days before you take your very first step. Guess why?
This is because sometimes you may have to face bad weather on the date that you’ve planned. And this can make the road extremely dangerous. Also, what you need to care about is that you always need to consider finding a safer route.
Remember that most of the major routes are more likely to have been cleared and gritted, too. This is why it’s better that you consider taking the narrow streets wherever you get a chance.
Check Your Vehicle Before You Go
You always need to be careful about the condition of all the parts of your vehicle before you go on any journey. May that be either of its battery, alternator or tyres; you should always be sure that all the parts of your truck are in their best working condition.
Moreover, all the parts of a truck are vulnerable to get their proper functioning disturbed in case if they are hit by cold weather. This is why the auto-mechanic engineers suggest checking and preparing all of its parts before commencing any long journey. Preparing the parts of a truck like the mirrors, windscreens and lights of ice, snow and debris before setting on a long journey helps you avoid any type of obstacle that you may probably face on the way to your destination.
One of the most important things; check your tread carefully if it’s at least 3 mm or not. And if it’s not, get it replaced as soon as possible before you go. Moreover, get your normal tyres replaced with new special winter tyres which provide a better grip on all the types of roads during the winters and other wet weather conditions.
Don’t you want to avoid the risk of slipping on the wet roads during abnormal weather conditions?
Of course, you want; right?
Why don’t you get your present normal tyres replaced with a winter tyre whenever the temperature goes below 7 ºC, then?
Use the Accelerator & Brakes Gently
This step is very much important to be paid attention to as it’s the very factor that determines a truck driver’s safety inside a truck while on the road. Whenever you’re in the driver’s seat, you must always bear the fact in your mind that you remain safe only till the time you operate the controls gently, wisely and carefully.
Most of all, if you need to use the revs, use them as low as possible and consider shifting the gears to the higher one as quickly as possible; if you need to.
Does your car skid; too?
If yes, try steering into it and then release the accelerator.
In case if you’re driving downhill, you need to reduce your speed; right?
While doing so try driving reducing the speed of your car to a lower level. Use the clutch to select a lower gear and then drive slowly and wisely.
This will surely help you ensure your safety while on the wheels.
Moreover, if you need to apply brakes, do them gently.
Also, if you’re driving uphill, don’t try to stop halfway up until and unless you move off.
Remember to Carry A Winter Driving Kit
A driving kit is very much important to be carried by almost all the truck drivers. A good truck drivers always keeps it in his truck. Moreover, keeping such a thing in your cab sometimes proves to be great life-savers.
Let me tell you that most of the times, i.e., whenever you meet any simple accident and get injured and if that happens during the winter season, you may need some of the most basic tools like a torch, an-ice-scraper, a highly visible clothing and more importantly, a warm blanket.
Some people feel boring to add a winter driving kit to their cars and you, too, may feel so. If yes, why don’t you try making your toolbox a bit appealing, then?
No idea how to make your winter driving kit appealing?
Add some tasty foods & drinks. I’m sure you’ll find your winter driving kit to be admirable, once you do this.
You can also add a shovel and a pair of special jump leads that can prove to be helpful to you during serious emergencies.
Now, that you’ve explored some of the ways to enjoy winter driving safely and memorably, Meanwhile, if you face any type of issue with your truck, MSA 24/7 Towing Calgary is always ready to help you out. Just give a call for emergency roadside assistance in Calgary.
