Driving against the wind

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by kastmgmt, Feb 26, 2015.

  1. kastmgmt

    kastmgmt Bobtail Member

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    Saint Paul, MN
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    How hard is it for newbies to control their tractor trailer in high winds, I see many trucks on their sides. Is it a matter of skill? Is it best to park and wait for the wind to calm down? Will dispatch be upset if you wait to better conditions?
    Thanks.
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2015
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  3. truckceo

    truckceo Bobtail Member

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    Feb 16, 2015
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    If you are in areas with high elevation then you have no choice. Just drive slower around 50-55. Dispatch would not like it if you pull over in high wind but if you can't drive in it, so what if they piss. You just have to learn to drive in it or it will keep you from getting good loads. No ones wants to be in a wreck but just keep driving and drive slower.
     
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  4. Vilhiem

    Vilhiem Road Train Member

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    Theres so many factors involved in your question, and experience isn't always the answer.

    The weight of the truck and load, the lighter it is the harder it is to control.
    Skill can be and is a factor, but not always. I've heard stories of microbursts bowling a truck onto its side. But I hypothosized (someone please confirm) that most roll-overs are caused by oversteer whil going too fast for the conditions.

    Im curious how other drivers determine if it's time to park, so that one I cannot answer.

    A good dispatched will know that #### happens. They may be mad, but they know they'll only get paid Id the truck makes the load safely.
     
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  5. girlsdrivetoo

    girlsdrivetoo Light Load Member

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    Toledo, Ohio
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    Nothing in trucking is absolute. It depends on your load or lack of a load, speed, angle and ability. Most of the wind related roll overs I have seen have been more related to taking a turn or curve too fast. If the wind is hitting your left side and you are waiting to make a left turn, do it gently. If you were to pop that clutch at the right time, with the right angle, and a gust hits at the right time...then yes. You could easily go over.
    With ANY adverse weather, you need to be steady and consistent. Don't speed up, slow down, or change direction quickly. Best advice is to increase your following distance, reduce your speed in all maneuvers, and park it if you feel unsafe.
    Yes, dispatch will be upset. They are always getting upset about something. LOL! We all push ourselves beyond our comfort level at times. The trick is knowing when it is too far outside the comfort zone and parking it BEFORE something terrible happens.
     
  6. orangepicker

    orangepicker Road Train Member

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    I've cut wind while driving...does that count
     
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  7. kastmgmt

    kastmgmt Bobtail Member

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    Dec 3, 2014
    Saint Paul, MN
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    LMAO, did it put the truck on it's side?
     
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  8. girlsdrivetoo

    girlsdrivetoo Light Load Member

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    Toledo, Ohio
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    Funny, not helpful... but funny!
    I myself have never :pottytrain5:
     
  9. heavyhaulerss

    heavyhaulerss Road Train Member

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    I'm older now, but still running against the wind!:biggrin_25520:
     
  10. heavyhaulerss

    heavyhaulerss Road Train Member

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    that lil cartoon is funny
     
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  11. C-WALSH

    C-WALSH Bobtail Member

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    The number one reason any vehicle but especially commercial class 8 trucks crash due to high crosswinds is driver distraction. You have to be focused on lane control and road conditions 100% or the littlest thing will be the straw that breaks your back. Double and triple multiplied gust in the Great Plains States make it even more difficult. Roads that change camber constantly, like some sections of I-81 in Virginia need your undivided attention as well. Experience can give you an edge in getting control back if your rig gets crossed up but it's best not to let it get to that point.

    Like other have said, the effect of the wind, be it head/tail/cross/off angle, depends on what type of setup you running and your weight.
     
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