Driving a truck in severe winter conditions demands a particular set of skills and awareness that all professional truck drivers need. With one in every four vehicle accidents in the United States being weather-related, truck drivers need to prepare the wintry road ahead to limit these risks.
From adapting your driving style on snowy and icy roads to preparing your truck before you go out on a route, there are many steps to take to be ready for winter trucking. Here are some winter safety considerations to keep in mind when trying to keep yourself, your cargo, and other drivers on the road safe this winter.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Many states have laws that prohibit people from texting, talking, and driving at the same time. However, this is still a common practice, and truckers who text while driving are 23-times more likely to get into an accident; causing truck insurance rates to rise.
It’s important to remember that texting or talking while driving is not the only way drivers can become distracted while behind the wheel. Anything they do to take their eyes off the road can end up distracting drivers. From checking GPS to changing the radio station to taking a bite of a snack can potentially result in an accident.
Keep Trucks Maintained and Ready for Winter
If your truck lacks proper upkeep, you will be more likely to get into an accident. That is why it is a good practice to make sure your truck receives the best care. Pre-trip inspections are so important in this regard.
Truckers should pay attention to the tires and have the tire traction examined. It is estimated that tires play a vital role in about nine percent of crashes on the road. Furthermore, truckers should have their windshield wipers and batteries inspected. If either needs changing, it’s best to do it before the road conditions worsen.
Maintain a Safe Speed and Be a Defensive Driver
Defensive driving is one of the keys to keeping accidents at bay. If you are a defensive truck driver, you are always on the lookout and observant of your surroundings. A defensive truck driver checks their mirrors frequently and looks for any potentially dangerous commuters around them.
It’s also just as essential to drive more slowly than you usually would when snowing, sleeting, or raining, or when traveling a day after these weather events happen.. Slick roads make it harder for you to drive and stop when you need to. Always err on the side of caution by maintaining a much slower speed in bad weather and wet or icy roads.
About Western Truck Insurance Services
Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck, and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more.