Driving Tips for Truck Drivers in Winter Conditions
The winter season brings unique challenges for truck drivers in Australia. Winter conditions made it hard for novice truck drivers to drive safely, becoming one of the major reasons behind accidents. Unawareness among truck drivers about winter safety tips is another major cause of winter mishaps. That’s why we decided to create this blog and share expert tips for driving trucks safely in winter conditions.
Amigo Tyres - trusted for the best truck wheels in Rocklea - is here with expert tips and ideas to help truck drivers drive safely during the winter season. Read on!
Winter Driving Safety Tips
Below are the top 10 winter driving safety tips for truck drivers:
Check weather: Stay informed and updated about upcoming weather conditions along your winter route. If possible, try to plan your trip around favourable weather conditions. Make sure to keep an eye on winter storm advisories or warnings.
Inspect truck: It is always a great decision to check your truck before starting your journey on Australian roads. Check brakes, tyres, lights, and fluids for safety. Also, ensure that your defroster, heater, and windshield wipers are working properly.
Maintain tyre traction: Snow chains or snow tyres can help you maintain proper tyre traction when trucking through snowy regions. Keep tyres inflated to the recommended pressure. Check tyre tread depth regularly as well.
Carry essential supplies: Always carry an emergency kit with essentials like a blanket, water, food, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Carry a fully charged phone and power bank. Don’t forget to take extra warm clothes, boots, and gloves to help someone on the way!
Maintain the right difference: Reduce your truck speed in bad weather conditions and increase the following distance for a longer stopping distance. Avoid making sudden movements such as quick acceleration and sharp turns.
Watch for black ice: Be cautious of black ice also known as clear ice, which is a coating of glaze ice on the surface and is often difficult to see. Overpasses and bridges are prone to freezing first, so approach them with extra care.
Handle skidding properly: In case your truck starts to skid, steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes. It is best for truck drivers to practice controlled braking to regain traction.
Take breaks and short naps: Truck drivers often make the mistake of not taking enough breaks while on a long route. Long hours on the road can be tiring and winter conditions can be demanding. So, it is best to take timely short breaks to rest and stay alert.
Communicate and check-in: Stay in touch with dispatch and other drivers to share information about road conditions. If the condition worsens, consider stopping and waiting for weather conditions to improve.
Be prepared: Know the location of emergency services along your Australian route to contact the service provider in case of an emergency. Have a plan in case you get stuck or stranded in severe weather.
Winter Driving Safety Tips for Australian Truckers
We hope that these 10 winter-driving safety tips for truck drivers will help you tread with caution while on the long journey. It is always best to keep safety on top priority and take precautions rather than to risk accidents in challenging weather conditions.
Still have queries to ask? Contact us to have them answered by our tyre experts in Rocklea.