HELP i have to drive on a road of ice for the first time what should i not do?

if you do not feel it is save for you to drive on that icy hill well then IT'S UNSAFE, YOU'LL BE UNSAFE that's my 2 cents just tell them its going to be late redo the drop date or time but your the one with ten years not me

 

I really don't think anyone here wants to give advice , have you follow it , then have you get involved in an accident and come back blaming us . As far as driving on ice goes , I don't . No matter whether you have chains or not there is some idiot out there that doesn't that could run into you . We have no idea of the exact road conditions either . Packed snow isn't bad . I 've already driven on that a couple of times this year and didn't see anyone having any problems . Just be sure the road isn't icy under the snow . It's going to be a long winter . Your circumstances are too vague to give answers . A 5 mile hill ? How steep is it ? But no the jake brake shouldn't be used . My feeling is you are picking the wrong way to get your first experience driving in the snow and you shouldn't have taken a job that would put you in this position . If you insist on making the trip get advice on the CB from drivers that are right there and know exactly what you are dealing with .

 

Just remember YOU are the one that is responsible for your truck. If you dont feel safe you wont be. An icy-hill-down grade is NOT the time for yet another driving lesson on your own. I would not want to give advice and then have something happen to you or your rig.......just like in a car if a driver is unsure/nervous about a driving situation they are more likely to have problems or cause an accident.

 

I agree with the above posts, if you don't have to don't do it. Already being nervous, and rightly so, is not going to help you in the situation.

If you get flack for turning this load down, be nice and apologetic about it saying you are nervous with being new to these type of conditions and you don't want to wreck any equipment or worse! Its a bit harder (I said a bit LOL) for them to be mean when you are being nice about it.

If you are one of those people like me that sometimes has trouble saying No, and you choose to go, the go SLOW, SLOW, SLOW. After getting the crap scared out of you, it will start to get easier for you to say No when you feel unsafe.

I agree with using the CB to talk with other drivers around you, but don't let any of them (the super truckers in the fast lane going 15mph over the speed limit) make you drive faster than you feel comfortable.

 

I am an old Oregon log hauler, mountains, ice, show, mud, you name it and we have driven in it. If it is icy and not just packed snow be ready to just park until conditions improve. Packed snow is different as someone said before. Slow down considerably, don't touch that hand spike (hand brake), keep the jake off, I like to keep the diff lock out unless I need extra traction to pull a short hill or something. Don't make any sudden moves, smooth driving, smooth braking, smooth corners and only use the foot brake. I like to adjust my trailer brakes slightly looser than the tractor in those conditions too. Not too loose as you want them to work but you don't want your trailer to begin skidding and try to pass you by. Be careful but don't be scared as scared will probably get you in trouble. Plan your next move well in advance, think ahead and drive smooth, no sudden anythings.

 

On a steep hill that hasn't been salted, if its snow pack use the low side of the transmission and go slow, no jake, don't lock the brakes up. If its ice, just park it. If your really that scared of it, don't go.

 

All the above posts have said it all driver! Be Safe!! You are the captain of that ship, your decision is the one that matters because your life depends on it as well as the lives of others. Driving on ice is DEADLY for many obvious reasons!! Freight can always be rescheduled, and I don't think the comapny you drive for is going to punish you that much for being safe. They may grief you but in the end they probably aren't paying you enough to risk your life. Use common sense driver and BE SAFE!!!!

 

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