Best Practices for Commercial Drivers During Winter Weather Conditions

Winter presents unique challenges for commercial drivers. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can quickly make roadways dangerous, demanding heightened attention to safety. For commercial drivers responsible for large, heavy vehicles, the risks can be even more significant. With a proactive approach to driving, maintaining equipment, and knowing when to avoid the road, commercial drivers can safely navigate winter conditions. Here, we explore essential winter driving practices that every commercial driver should follow to stay safe during the colder months.

1. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Conditions

One of the most important steps in winter driving safety is to ensure your vehicle is equipped to handle the harsh conditions. Preparing your vehicle before hitting the road can prevent breakdowns, avoid accidents, and make your trip smoother.

• Check Tire Tread and Pressure: Tires should have adequate tread to grip slippery roads. A tread depth of at least 6/32 inches is recommended for driving in snow. Additionally, colder temperatures can cause tires to lose pressure, so it’s important to regularly check and maintain tire pressure within recommended levels.
• Examine Brakes: Cold weather can affect braking efficiency, so make sure the brakes are functioning optimally before starting a trip.
• Inspect Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid: Visibility can be compromised in snow, so wipers should be in good condition. Keep a winter-grade washer fluid that won’t freeze in low temperatures and use anti-freeze windshield washer fluid.
• Prepare Emergency Supplies: Stock your truck with winter essentials such as blankets, a flashlight, flares, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and a bag of sand or kitty litter for extra traction. Having chains or tire cables for extra grip on ice can also be beneficial.

2. Plan Your Route Carefully

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so staying informed about the road and weather conditions along your route is essential. Utilize GPS and apps that update in real-time to check road conditions, traffic, and weather forecasts.

• Know Your Road Closures and Detours: Winter storms can lead to road closures. Check with local authorities or traffic advisory services to be aware of closures or detours. Always have a backup route planned if possible.
• Avoid Risky Routes: If possible, avoid mountainous or narrow roads where snow and ice can accumulate more easily. Opt for well-traveled highways where the roads are likely to be cleared faster.
• Be Mindful of Reduced Speed Limits: Many highways lower speed limits during winter conditions. Obeying these limits and adjusting your speed for visibility, traffic, and road conditions can reduce your risk of accidents.

3. Adjust Driving Techniques for Winter

Even the most experienced commercial drivers need to adjust their techniques for winter conditions. Driving in snow and ice requires different maneuvers to maintain control and stability.

• Reduce Speed: Slowing down gives you more control over your vehicle and time to react to road hazards. It’s better to arrive late than risk an accident by maintaining regular speed on icy roads.
• Increase Following Distance: In winter conditions, braking distances can be up to 10 times longer than normal. Increasing your following distance will give you ample space to stop if the vehicle in front of you slows down unexpectedly.
• Use Gentle Movements: Abrupt steering, braking, or accelerating can cause your vehicle to lose traction. Instead, apply brakes gently, steer smoothly, and accelerate gradually to avoid skidding.
• Brake and Accelerate in Straight Lines: Turning while braking or accelerating can make it easier to lose control. Ensure your vehicle is straight before making adjustments in speed.
• Watch for Black Ice: Black ice is nearly invisible and can form on shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses. Be cautious when driving over these areas and avoid sudden movements that could cause loss of control.

4. Know When to Pull Over

Winter weather can sometimes make driving dangerous, regardless of how prepared you are. Knowing when to pull over and wait for conditions to improve can be a lifesaving decision.

• Understand Whiteout Conditions: Heavy snow can create whiteouts, drastically reducing visibility. If visibility is too low to see the road ahead, pull over in a safe location rather than trying to drive through it.
• Pull Over for Ice Storms: Ice can be more hazardous than snow. If an ice storm is in the forecast, consider pulling over or waiting it out. Even with winter tires, icy roads can be too dangerous for safe travel.
• Communicate with Dispatch: If conditions become hazardous, inform your dispatcher and let them know you’ll be stopping until it’s safe to proceed. Safety should always be prioritized over deadlines.

5. Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

In winter, a moment’s distraction can be especially dangerous. Staying focused on the road and the vehicle’s behavior is crucial for safe winter driving.

• Limit In-Cab Distractions: Avoid unnecessary distractions like eating or adjusting the radio. If you need to make changes, pull over safely instead of attempting it on the move.
• Scan the Road Continuously: Be aware of changing conditions on the road surface, such as areas that appear shiny (indicating possible ice) or look slushy. Watch for brake lights or hazard signals ahead, as these can warn you of trouble before you reach it.
• Take Breaks to Combat Fatigue: The extra mental strain of winter driving can cause fatigue more quickly. Take regular breaks to keep your mind fresh and alert for potential hazards.
• Avoid Drinking Alcohol: Do not drink and drive. If you drive under the influence, you can become a danger to everyone in the road, including yourself. You also risk getting your license suspended if you get a Commercial driver DUI. 

6. Stay Informed of Weather Changes

Winter weather conditions can change quickly. Staying up-to-date with weather forecasts can help you anticipate potential challenges along your route.

• Check Forecasts Before and During Trips: Before setting out, check the weather forecast for your route and continue monitoring it during rest stops. Many trucking companies provide weather updates to drivers, or you can use apps like the National Weather Service (NWS) to receive real-time alerts.
• Know Warning Signs for Hazardous Weather: In case you do encounter deteriorating weather conditions, stay alert for signs of freezing rain, blowing snow, or dropping temperatures. Each of these conditions can increase the risks of driving.

7. Communicate with Other Drivers

During winter weather, it’s crucial for all drivers to stay aware of each other’s movements. Clear communication with other vehicles on the road can prevent misunderstandings and reduce accident risks.

• Use Lights and Signals Consistently: Signal turns and lane changes early to give other drivers ample warning. Make use of your headlights to increase visibility, but avoid high beams in snow or fog as they can decrease your visibility.
• Be Aware of Blind Spots: In low visibility, other drivers may not see your vehicle clearly. Be cautious of your blind spots and try to stay visible to other vehicles whenever possible.
• Stay in Communication with Dispatch and Other Drivers: Many commercial drivers communicate via radio. Keeping in touch with other drivers allows you to share information about hazardous areas, closed roads, or other potential hazards.

Conclusion

Winter weather driving can be challenging, but following these best practices can help ensure that you arrive safely at your destination. By preparing your vehicle, adjusting your driving techniques, and staying informed about changing conditions, you can navigate winter roads with greater confidence and safety. Remember, no deadline is worth risking your safety, so make smart decisions and always prioritize caution during your winter travels. Safe driving!