A Quick Review for Coping with Winter Driving
The driving public is often unready for the first winter storms. Make allowances for them with safe following distances, special care at entrance ramps and intersections.

Don’t bobtail when roads are icy or wet if you can avoid it – the tractor just doesn’t have the traction to stop like it does when coupled to a trailer. If you must bobtail, go extra slow and be extra cautious with plenty of extra following distance.

The posted speed limit is for dry, clear conditions only. Driving too fast for conditions is the number one cause for serious accidents in winter or summer, but wintertime accidents tend to be more severe. Speed and slick roads are a deadly combination and following distances become very critical to safety. Change with the season and adjust your driving to the different conditions found during longer trips.

Avoid rushing by using earlier departures when possible – there’s less fatigue and a lot less risk if you can give yourself a cushion instead of being squeezed by time.

Snow-pack and ice build-up can reduce clearance under bridges and overpasses.

When approaching ice don’t back off the throttle suddenly. Slow gradually or maintain speed without any sudden de-acceleration. Smooth and gradual is the key.

There could be a car hidden in the cloud of powdered snow surrounding your truck.

The ability to keep rolling is critical but take it easy. Overpowering the drive wheels can throw the truck into a dangerous skid. Be especially careful on curves where you are not pulling in a straight line. A spinning drive wheel has no cornering ability and that’s when the trouble starts. Ease into the throttle to get the feel of how much traction is available to you.

Put as much weight on the drive axle as the law will allow. Lightly loaded axles don’t have as much traction and the tires spin easier. Remember that accumulated snow and ice can make you overweight. Don’t use the engine brake on slick roads.

The best way to stay out of an accident is not to drive into one.

See and be seen make sure lights are on and working. Be sure windows and mirrors are clear of snow and ice. Watch for glazed intersections, other vehicles may not be able to stop. Bridge surfaces are often more slippery than the roadway itself. Allow for wind and be ready when you come out from behind a hill or overpass. Don’t drive in the ruts of other vehicles.

There are many times when you should park but it’s always a good idea to park and wait when the combination of icy roads and the wind starts to blow.

Parking
Before parking drag the trailer brakes a little to dry them after driving in slush. Don’t set the trailer brakes when parking for an extended period. When starting to move, check to see all wheels are turning freely. Never drag tires to free frozen brakes.

When parking for the night try to have a full fuel tank. Maintain fuel tanks at least half-full to minimize condensation in the fuel tank. If there is a chance of becoming snow-bound, top off all tanks.

Don’t burn-out the starter by over-cranking. Crank it for fifteen seconds then let it cool off for two minutes.

Never enter the cab without checking the oil first. When the engine starts, let it idle to warm-up while you do your pre-trip.

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