The holiday season is in full swing and traffic won’t slow down for several more weeks. With more consumers making online purchases, stores are deploying additional trucks to keep up with delivery demands. The increased congestion isn’t the only safety concern on the roads, however. Wintry weather creates snowy and icy conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Drivers can adopt the following safety habits to reduce their risk:

  1. Perform thorough pre-trip inspections. Not only can this save lives, but it can also prevent fines and penalties for operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that’s in poor condition. Drivers should pay extra attention to their tires, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluids. If tires aren’t in optimal condition, drivers run the risk of not being able to brake effectively. Antifreeze should be obvious, but windshield wiper fluid is just as important. Wintry weather can create slush, which tires can kick up onto windshields. Without wiper fluid, drivers won’t be able to clear the muck.
  2. Prepare for the worst. Drivers need to have a supply of warm blankets, water, and dry food anytime they hit the road. Snow, ice, and wind create conditions that could force drivers off the road with limited access to help.
  3. Remove ice and snow from the vehicle. It can be tempting to only clear snow from the windshield to reduce the amount of time spent out in the cold. However, any snow left behind can become a hazard for other drivers. This remaining snow can fly off the vehicle at any time, obscuring other drivers’ vision.
  4. Drive during daylight hours. While it’s not always possible to avoid driving at night, it’s much easier to see the roads during the day. Moreover, roads become more dangerous at night. As temperatures fall, once passable roads can become slick with ice.
  5. Avoid distracted driving. Everyone knows it’s dangerous to text and drive, yet so many people do it anyway. The allure of checking a text message is often too strong for drivers. Drivers who feel compelled to check incoming texts should store their phone out of reach. Removing the distraction altogether can prevent accidents.
  6. Slow down. The posted speed limit is often too fast when ice and snow come into the equation. Drivers should slow down to give themselves extra time to brake, make turns, or change lanes in less than optimal conditions.
  7. Increase following distance. Every vehicle takes longer to slow down on snowy or icy roads. Big trucks and buses take even longer. Commercial vehicles need to ensure they increase their following distance to avoid accidents while trying to brake.

In addition to increased traffic and icy roads, wintry weather can reduce visibility. Taking the above precautions can help truck drivers stay safe while on the roads. To learn more about transportation safety, contact the experts at DriverCheck.