Tweet
To drive a truck safely in snow and ice, you must
slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden movements like hard braking or sharp turns. Before you go, perform a thorough pre-trip inspection, check your tires, and prepare your truck and yourself with extra supplies. Always be aware of conditions, especially on bridges, and know when to pull over if it becomes too dangerous.
Vehicle preparation
- Perform a pre-trip inspection: Check lights, brakes, coolant, antifreeze, and wipers.
- Check your tires: Ensure they have proper pressure and are in good condition. Consider winter tires and carry chains, as some areas may require them.
- Keep up with fluids: Have extra windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, and carry winter-grade diesel fuel if needed.
- Top off your fuel tank: This adds weight to the drive tires, improving traction.
- Ensure your truck is clean: Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and reflective tape to maximize visibility.
Driving techniques
- Slow down significantly: Speed limits are for ideal conditions. Reduce your speed by at least 25%-30%.
- Increase following distance: Give yourself at least 8-10 seconds of space between your truck and the vehicle ahead.
- Brake and accelerate gently: Avoid sudden movements. Use engine braking cautiously and brake slowly and early for stops and turns.
- Avoid cruise control: It can cause the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly on icy patches.
- Keep a firm grip on the wheel: Make slow, steady adjustments instead of over-correcting.
- Be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses: These surfaces freeze faster than the rest of the road.
- Watch for black ice: This transparent ice makes the road look wet. A good indicator is a lack of spray from vehicles ahead.
Safety and supplies
- Carry essential winter gear: Pack warm clothing, gloves, a hat, a blanket, and extra food and water.
- Keep your phone charged: Carry a charger and extra batteries in case you get stranded.
- Have a "go-bag" ready: Include a snow shovel, brush, salt, sand, and jumper cables.
- Know when to stop: If roads become too treacherous, pull over in a safe location, like an on-ramp, to wait out the worst conditions. Safety should always be the top priority over schedules.