If the last couple of days in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma are any indication, winter is officially here! Yes, the cold and the rain have arrived meaning the roads are a dangerous place to be on. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean your workload is any lighter. Here at Jeffers Truck Insurance, we recognize that there are some steps and precautions that you can take to be better prepared for these winter roads. After all, the last thing you want this holiday season is an accident that you are going to be held accountable for. With that in mind, here are some grat winter safety tips:
1) Plan Ahead
Although it’s a little too late to prepare before the freezing temperatures arrive, now is the best time to get ready. Take notes on which roads on your route require chains. Be on the lookout for safe places to park, should an emergency force you off of the road. In any scenario, have a plan. It could mean the difference between life and death on an icy road.
2) Get Information
Your smartphone, weather.com, the XM radio and your CB are all important means to getting accurate, up-to-date information about the weather. Plan out your route as if you’ll be going 25 mph the whole way – in some cases it could actually be that bad. Just remember that negligence is not an excuse here. The “extra two hours of driving for unforeseen traffic or weather” only applies if it is unforeseen. In other words, if everyone else knew about the storm but you, DOT is not going to listen. Have all the information you could need, ready to go.
3) Pre-Trip
Pre-trip inspections are important regardless of weather, but in the winter it’s a must. Make sure all of your lights work because half of them could be covered in mud and snow after 20 miles. Drain the air from the tanks and trailers (condensation in the air lines is the #1 cause for frozen brakes) and be sure to knock the snow and ice off of the mud flaps, windows, etc. after a rough patch.
4) Have Proper Equipment
Have the following equipment with you at all times on a route:
- Chains
- Bungees
- Flashlight
- Kneeling Pad
- Reflective Vest
- Cam Lock T-handles
- Good Gloves
- Boots with Good Traction
- Extra Warm Bedding
- Extra Washer Fluid
- Anti-gel
5) Know Your Limits
Finishing a job isn’t worth your life. Know the limitations of your truck, your cargo and your equipment. If you think the road ahead is too dangerous, pull over until you are ready. Now is not the time to be macho.
Those are just some tips for winter weather driving. What advice do you have? Let us know on here as well as on our Facebook page. Be sure to get proper coverage for your fleet this winter by visiting our website.