Winter is here, which means so is the snow. Driving in snow can be dangerous, especially if drivers aren’t taking extra precautions. We’ve put together 5 tips for truckers driving in the snow.
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1. Slow down
The most important thing to do is take your time and drive below the speed limit when road conditions are snowy. Ice or snow-covered roads make your stopping distance much longer.
2. Keep a safe distance
Because it takes longer for your vehicle to come to a stop during inclement conditions, you should not only be driving at a slower speed, but also maintaining a safe following distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. This will help if you suddenly need to come to a stop.
3. Keep both hands on the wheel
Keeping both hands on the wheel might seem like a no-brainer to most drivers, but it is important to keep both hands firmly on the wheel. This will help you react faster if you hit a patch of snow or black ice.
4. Know what to do if you lose traction
If you hit black ice and lose traction, don’t use the clutch or engine brake. This could actually make the situation worse. Instead, gently let your foot off the pedal and steer in the direction that the back of the vehicle is going to regain control.
5. Plan your trip
Before you leave check your path ahead to see what weather and road conditions you will be driving into. We suggest downloading weather apps that alert you when bad weather lies ahead.