Winter Speeds when the weather is bad?

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by Bodhi, Dec 3, 2022.

  1. Bodhi

    Bodhi Light Load Member

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    Jan 18, 2020
    Vancouver Island, BC
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    Hey folks,

    So we just had a winter storm blow through BC and Alberta -- while that was happening and waiting it out, I was chatting with a few guys about their thoughts on what the average speed one should be doing when the weather is bad.

    Yes, we all know about slowing down in corners/bends, over bridges, downhill, etc ... but this was more pertaining to when the road is straight (but also when it has a slight bend to it).

    So some were saying 5km under the posted, some said 10km under, but this one guy was adamant that on straight aways that it did not matter -- that the most important thing was not to heavy on the brakes or wheel. Well of course that is true about the brakes and wheel, but in my view that doesn't mean you don't have to control your speed.

    He did go on to talk about how lots of folks out there actually drive the way he is talking -- so my question is, "What is your take or view on this subject"?

    Cheers
     
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  3. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Depends on the consistency of the snow . If it’s a dry Arctic powder and visibility and traffic aren’t an issue it doesn’t really matter…….

    your equipment ,load and skill level play into it to……
     
  4. Bodhi

    Bodhi Light Load Member

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    Yes, all of this is true. But let us take the example of BC mountain snow, which is not artic or dry -- load, we all know that the more weight is better, so we can also remove that factor [But again, the laws of physics also apply when you have a heavy load to -- an object in motion stays in motion.].
     
  5. REALITY098765

    REALITY098765 Road Train Member

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    Physics is an experimental science.
    On a straight road it doesn't matter until you have to stop.
    You have not lived until you are driving 110 kph in 6in of snow and more falling and had your doors blown off by a large car.
    Loaded and weight distributed properly and 0 Fahrenheit hammer down, but I will say 40kph to about 70kph is the wrong speed to drive and the truck seems to slip and slide but get over about 80 kph and it straightens right out.
    Hot tires on cold snow is akin to sticking your tongue on cold metal.
     
  6. Bodhi

    Bodhi Light Load Member

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    Jan 18, 2020
    Vancouver Island, BC
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    And you probably think the world is flat too!

    Just so you know, physics maybe experimental [and theoretical for that matter], but without experiments and/or observations there would be no science -- therefore, physics is based on science, not conjecture. Your qualitative example is based on what? Oh yes, your opinion, therefore, not science.

    Next time you're doing 110km in 6" of snow, crank your wheel about 5 degrees and let us see how you do with this so called experient called physics. =)
     
  7. upnorthwpg

    upnorthwpg Road Train Member

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    You drive for the weather. You go as fast or slow as the road conditions dictate. And judging by the stupidity on the skilled truckers page on fb, most of these fools are safer in the ditch.
     
  8. classicxl

    classicxl Medium Load Member

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    I have to agree with u it’s hard to give someone a certain number on how fast or slow one should drive in bad weather. you have to drive by what your gut feeling is a safe speed not by what another driver says is a safe speed because in most cases it’s not . In my option if you feel it’s only safe to be travelling down a road or highway at 5-20 km / h you shouldn’t be on the road at all


    it happened to me this week in the Gta all the major highways where a sheet of ice and i was on the headed back to the yard on the 403 . trucks jacked knifed all over the place or spun out on the off ramps . I even got stuck when a seaboard tanker stopped and then couldn’t get going again and guess what i got stuck also just spinning my tires in a live lane on the 403 . lucky i stayed far enough back from the truck in front of me and got going again by my tractor drive tires sliding to the lane to my left where it had a little snow covering the lane and i got some traction. once I was back at the yard told dispatch i’m not going out again all the roads are dangerous. I was told no problem have a safe trip home . I’m not risking my life , anyone else’s or wrecking my companies equipment and screwing up my driving career just not worth it
     
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2022
  9. Iron Maiden

    Iron Maiden Light Load Member

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    Me neither. If there's going to be bad weather, I take a sick day. Not dealing with the crappy drivers and crappy road maintenance in Ontario.
     
  10. Bodhi

    Bodhi Light Load Member

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    Jan 18, 2020
    Vancouver Island, BC
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