Tips For Driving a Semi Truck in Snow

Practice Safe Driving Techniques

Driving a big rig in the middle of rush hour comes with its own set of challenges, and now, truck drivers are faced with a new kind of stress: driving in the snow. When it comes to driving through snow and ice, it's true what they say that slow and steady wins the race. For truckers to make it safely from Point A to Point B, they will need to act smart, not quickly. Here's what semi-truck drivers need to do to safely drive through snowy conditions.

Get Snow Chains

This isn't about marketing cold weather accessories for your truck. This is about carrying a product with you that could save your life during sudden braking situations. These easy to install tire chains can be installed on large commercial vehicles in less than 10 minutes (even along the side of the road) and offer superior traction control during winter travel. Drivers are at the most risk of losing traction when temperatures decrease to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow chains are required in most U.S. states during the frigid months of the year. If you don't have them, get them.

Watch For Tire Spray

Notice the spray coming off your tires or from other vehicles? That means the roads are wet or slippery. It's time to slow down.

Keep a Safe Distance

Like passenger cars, truckers want to get to where they are going as quickly as possible, butit's best to keep a safe distance away from other vehicles. Remember, trucks need about 40 percent more stopping time compared to cars – that is about the distance of three football fields to complete a stop at highway speeds. If you have worn tires – get new ones. If you need to replace your brakes – then get new air brakes.  Check your shock absorbers, air bags and other while you're at it.

Don't Follow Too Closely

This isn't a race. If you can see the vehicle in front of you, even through low visibility, you are travelling too close and need to back off. Afraid? Pull Over. Take a deep breath and relax. You'll get through this. If the weather is bad and you don't feel comfortable driving, then stay parked.

Let There Be Light

Be it freezing rain or snow, your headlights, side lights and backlights are your guide and help alert passing vehicles that you are near. They become increasingly more important throughout the winter season as daylight ends sooner than anticipated. If you need replacement lighting equipment, consider your options. LED lights are the most popular type of lighting equipment on the market today, buthalogen lights work well, too. Compare the two types of lights to see which is a better fit for your truck. Look for truck lights that have heating elements to melt away ice and snow, too.

Don't Make Sudden Movements

When putting on your blinkers, be sure to wait four or five blinks before making a move. This will give drivers ample time to process what you plan to do. If you plan to drive slower than passing vehicles, turn on your four-way hazards and take the far-right traffic lane. It's okay – they can pass you.

Final Thought

Driving through the snow is no picnic for any type of driver. We know you have deadlines and families to see, butconsider these tips and you will get to where you are going safely this winter.