Braking in snow and ice - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

Jerryb · **^ Top** #1 12.31.2007

Hi all,

I have a question regarding slowing and stopping in snow and ice. What is the safest way, some say use the jake , some say use gears. What`s the general advice?

Thanks

Jerryb

palerdr · **^ Top** #2 12.31.2007

roads......rain,ice,snow,etc. It can cause your drives to lock up and you don't want that. Just travel slower and look way ahead. Slow down by letting off the accelerator and using lower gears and braking smoothly. Start braking earlier than usual so you won't slide right through an intersection. Brake way ahead of time and slow the rig down much earlier than normal. And try to keep from stopping all-together if you can help it. Try and use your momentum as much as possible such as when a light is red up ahead, slow down early as to try to roll through when the light turns green ( try to time it ) , especially on an incline in slick conditions.....because you may not have any traction after you stop. When making a turn. slow down , and I mean slowwww..... early and turn nice and slow and easy. Easy does it in the snow is the only way to go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerryb

Hi all,

I have a question regarding slowing and stopping in snow and ice. What is the safest way, some say use the jake , some say use gears. What`s the general advice?

Thanks

Jerryb

myminpins · **^ Top** #3 12.31.2007

Yes. Always look WAAAAY ahead. Leave TOO much room - it's never too much

When you're in a parking lot, brake quickly going slowly and see how much you slide so you have any idea how slippery it is. You cannot drive too carefully or drive too slowly in bad conditions.

palerdr · **^ Top** #4 12.31.2007

Is ALWAYS a fun thing..... as long as there's no one around !!! ( as long as you don't hit anyone) NOT in a big truck I should say. Only in your personal vehicle. FUN, FUN, FUN... until you crack up your car and have to ski home. still fun anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by myminpins

Yes. Always look WAAAAY ahead. Leave TOO much room - it's never too much

When you're in a parking lot, brake quickly going slowly and see how much you slide so you have any idea how slippery it is. You cannot drive too carefully or drive too slowly in bad conditions.

Burky · **^ Top** #5 12.31.2007

Basically, those above comments cover it. You simply have to allow more room for braking than you do in good weather on clear roads. You want to not put yourself in a position where you have to do emergency braking on a slickened surface.

On the plus side, as long as you are loaded, you have much better traction than the vehicles around you. Th weight pushes the tires down and they mak better contact with the road than the cars around you have. Empty, you have to be very careful, because at that time the weight pushing you down into the snow is muh less, and you have a much greater chance of slipping and sliding than when loaded.

garspete · **^ Top** #6 12.31.2007

jerryb i take it you dont have your cdl yet. that information is in the cdl training book. ( at least in michigan ) and be careful who you listen to, the people on here have great advise.

danc694u · **^ Top** #7 12.31.2007

All of the above, then add another 200 feet.

I stay away from the Jake in icy conditions...period.

Gearing down is not a good idea in icy conditions, engine compression can spin you out of control just as quickly as standing on the brakes. Although you will have to do it, when needed.

I try to leave enough room that I can coast (in gear) and allow the truck to slow on it's own as much as possible. When I use the brakes, it's very gently.

My pet peeve, 4 wheelers that slam on the brakes just before or on a bridge. If I can see it coming....I'm already backing it down.

Extreme care, and your own BEST judgement. If it's patchy ice, always treat it as if it were a solid sheet. No need in running 65 mph, then hitting a large patch in a curve....too late then.

palerdr · **^ Top** #8 12.31.2007

decide it's not their exit... and they see you but.... they can't make up their damn mind if they want to live or die. Back off and hope they veer to the right and out of sight. Especially in slick conditions. Bunch o' morons.

Cybergal · **^ Top** #9 12.31.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerryb

Hi all,

I have a question regarding slowing and stopping in snow and ice. What is the safest way, some say use the jake , some say use gears. What`s the general advice?

Thanks

Jerryb

When I drove, I personally was a little conservative. I drove alot slower, and started slowing down sooner, and then I come down thru the gears.

I kept a steady pull and used the Johnson bar to slow the trailer down.

Jerryb · **^ Top** #10 12.31.2007

Cybergal,

What`s a Johnson bar?

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