Heavy-duty and commercial truck drivers are busy year-round. During the winter, snow flurries and icy pavement can compromise your ability to reach your destination safely. With a few driving strategies, you can avoid accidents and a need for towing. Here are a few tips to stay safe under inclement weather.
How to Drive a Heavy-Duty Vehicle in the Winter
1. Slow Down
Staying within the speed limit is always important, but that’s especially true during the winter, when tires could slide on wet roads. This can happen when your speed exceeds 50 miles per hour.
By driving slower, the rubber will make full contact with the ground. As it could take longer to brake on icy pavement, driving slowly will help you stop at intersections. It also increases response time so you don’t hit vehicles you’re trailing.
2. Avoid Sudden Movements
In addition to slowing to a stop, remember to gently press on the gas when it’s time to move. Slamming on the pedal reduces traction, making it harder to maintain control. The same is true when you turn corners too quickly and brake suddenly. If you see an obstacle close ahead, slow down and maneuver around it instead of braking, which might require more distance.
3. Leave a Wide Berth
Vehicle crowding on winter roads often leads to accidents and the need for towing. To avoid collisions if the driver in front of you slows suddenly, increase your following distance to at least eight seconds. This means you should pass a landmark eight seconds after the vehicle in front of you.
If you do find yourself in need of towing this winter, trust the experienced, certified technicians at C. L. Chase 24 Hour Towing & Recovery in Camp Douglas, WI. Serving heavy-duty truckers in Wisconsin Rapids as well as Jackson, Adams, Vernon, La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Chippewa counties for over 50 years, the team has provided prompt recovery services and expert repairs. For towing, call (608) 427-6734. To learn more about the types of vehicles they service, visit them online.
