Driving on ice or freezing rain

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Diantane, Nov 1, 2020.

  1. Diantane

    Diantane Light Load Member

    200
    575
    Nov 13, 2010
    Alderson, WV
    0
    You don't. Chains are for snow. When there is ice or freezing rain, stay off the road until they are treated or suffer a crashed truck (or worse)

    Telling if there is ice on the road: Watch the tires of a vehicle near you. If you see mist coming from the rear of their tires, it is safe to drive. If the mist goes away, don't use your brakes or throttle. Let the truck coast and slowly get to the shoulder or other safe place.

    Back in the early eighties I was on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and saw the mist go away. So I slowly moved over to the shoulder and stopped. Got out of the tractor to check the road for ice and I slid completely across the highway (no other traffic thank God). Had to climb back on my hands and knees using my fingernails to grip the ice. Got on the CB and warned other drivers to get off the road. Went to channel 9 and reported the emergency. Waited until the state highway trucks treated the roads and saw water running to the side. Checked the road again, but this time I held on to the cab handle. Could feel the rough service and continued my trip.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

    4,126
    12,590
    Feb 13, 2010
    twin cities
    0
    I'm surprised the rig didn't slide right on down the hill..
    We run out of MN and ice, snow and freezing rain come with the territory for us.
     
  4. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

    19,112
    206,884
    Mar 25, 2014
    OH
    0
    Tip I have allways found to be true. Ice will freeze on glass side of mirrors before any place else. Keep a eye on it.

    I mean a mirror or braket that is not heated.
     
  5. Diantane

    Diantane Light Load Member

    200
    575
    Nov 13, 2010
    Alderson, WV
    0
    With snow you can steer through it like a sleigh, but I have taken a 4 wheel drive truck in ice and helplessly skidded sideways into some trees.
     
    Trucker61016 Thanks this.
  6. Accidental Trucker

    Accidental Trucker Road Train Member

    3,084
    6,611
    Jun 4, 2015
    0
    I watched a pickup go slowly around the curve on I-80 near Green River, WY, and break traction and slide sideways off the road. Ice is no joke.

    However, chains will most certainly deal with ice in a safe, if slow, manner.
     
    Trucker61016, alds and T.Rucker Thank this.
  7. JC1971

    JC1971 Road Train Member

    2,368
    8,073
    Jul 29, 2013
    L.A.
    0
    As the road freezes, you see less and less spray. In no way does this mean it is completely safe to drive.
     
  8. striker

    striker Road Train Member

    5,906
    6,186
    Aug 8, 2009
    Denver, Co
    0
    Drive within your comfort and exp. zone.
     
  9. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

    49,344
    311,037
    May 4, 2015
    0
  10. AKDoug

    AKDoug Medium Load Member

    323
    800
    Mar 21, 2018
    0
    If I didn't drive in the ice and snow, I'd end up having to park the truck for 6 months. Chains do work, I don't know why you say they won't.
     
  11. CargoWahgo

    CargoWahgo Road Train Member

    3,912
    3,944
    Jan 10, 2012
    Louisville, Kentucky
    0
    If it is a town called Sayre

    Well..... I just slow on down.

    Even if it isn't in Oklahoma. Just the thought of getting squirrelly there again gives me the heebijeebees. The road looks like normal road then all of the sudden your tag axle goes weeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....

    Give me Canada... Lol atleast it is colour coded.
     
    kylefitzy Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.