Winter weather driving tips?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by NewTrucker7, Jan 13, 2016.

  1. NewTrucker7

    NewTrucker7 Light Load Member

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    After reading about all those incidents earlier today I am curious if there are some general rules of thumb to remember when driving in bad winter weather? Like what to look for as far as road conditions go or how fast you should be driving? I realize there will be some truckers who don't care what the road conditions are and are gonna drive anyway but since I'm not gonna do that in general what types of conditions make a driver wanna stop and wait out a winter storm/ road conditions?

    If you do decide to wait how mad will a company get at you if you decide not to drive while the roads are covered in snow/ice with blizzard conditions?

    What is the biggest danger about winter driving?
     
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  3. seabring

    seabring Road Train Member

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    The biggest danger is never driving in winter conditions.... Youve got to drive in it to get experience with it!
    Best tip I can give is that the fuel pedal will get you into trouble and also get you out of it.
    Don't go too fast, be gentle on the fuel pedal and if you start losing traction you got to adjust on the fuel to regain traction, dont hit the brake!
    Light touch on the the steering and easy on the brakes is about all there is to it.
     
  4. TigerShark

    TigerShark Medium Load Member

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    If you have a good company they will say it's your call and stick by it. As far as driving on winter roads.....be safe and smart keep the shiny part of the truck up.
     
    mindes Thanks this.
  5. seabring

    seabring Road Train Member

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    Couple,of things to look for :
    If the road looks wet but it's a dull look then it's ice, if it's got a bright gloss then it's probably a wet road not yet frozen,
    if you've got spray comin off the tires then it's not ice.
    Snow will give you better traction than a hard ice packed road surface , don't be scared of driving on fresh snow.
    Keep your cab heater on the foot setting to keep the windshield cool, that will help stop icing up on the windshield and the wipers.
    Speed..... Drive to what you feel comfortable, if you don't feel comfortable then park it in a safe place until the weather clears.
    If at any time you feel you're driving beyond your abilities then park at a safe place as soon as you can !
     
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  6. rbrtwbstr

    rbrtwbstr Road Train Member

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    Slow down!!! But don't go so slow as to create another hazard. I generally don't mind snow and sleet, but I won't leave the house if there's freezing rain. Not with the risk.
     
  7. Dean25x7

    Dean25x7 Bobtail Member

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    Best advice is to park it and get off the road until conditions improve. You only have one life, that load of toilet paper going to St. Louis isn't worth losing your life over.
     
  8. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Only drive south of I-4....................

    :)

    :cool:
     
  9. avenger79

    avenger79 Medium Load Member

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    drive within your comfort zone. if you are nervous or even scared you will make a mistake.
    don't stab the pedals. smooth easy adjustments to speed. don't try to accelerate going up a hill.
    I agree with above, you have to try it now and than. you won't get used to it, if you never try it. just remember No sudden movements.

    90% of guys who hit the ditch do so from the left lane. trying to pass, going too fast and the fact that in bad weather the left lane is generally in worse condition.
     
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  10. FerrissWheel

    FerrissWheel Road Train Member

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    And don't blow a chain up area. If the laws are in effect, it may look clean at the bottom, but you might run into several inches of ice and snow at the top.

    As said above, pay attention to the spray off the tires, if the road looks wet and you've got no spray or very little, your probably on ice. Also check to see if you can safely in your truck if there is ice on the back of your mirror.

    If the roads are Icy and you've got high winds, park it.

    The key word is "smooth" smooth braking, smooth fuel, smooth shifts and smooth steering.

    If the conditions are bad, keep a following distance in which you can safely stop with out much brake pressure. If you have to pass someone, do it quickly, and if you can't do it quickly don't or at least save it for flat land. You don't want to be right next to any vehicle if it starts sliding or you start sliding.
     
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  11. KenworthGuyNH

    KenworthGuyNH Road Train Member

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    Someone who hasn't driven since.........when?? Early/mid 90s and only to get their license should not be dispensing "best advice". Period. Get a few years of severe winters under your belt; THEN you can hand out advice.......for now......the learning curve is all on you.
     
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