Falling on butts!

Salt, kitty litter, shop floor dry, liquid absorbent, anything with grit will help you get rolling on ice or slushy snow. I got stuck (couldn't move my rig) in Muscatine, IA in 2" of soft snow. It happens. The donkey driver put about 1 cup of sand in front of each drive tire, and I just drove out. It only takes that little to get rolling. So, I would say, never mind the steps, just do what you know you need to do. Carry the abrasive so you can get out of slick situations. I'm a little concerned for you, Texas. I mean, if you can't navigate your steps unless they're clear, a lot more serious issues are coming your way, issues you'll have to deal with.

 

I have to say, there are few things funnier than seeing someone else slip on ice and land on their fat axx, but as we get older, it really is a serious deal. I've slipped on the deck plate, or got out of the truck and landed on my can because the foot steps were icy. I see now, they make these treads that you clip on your shoes, targeted at seniors, but a good idea. And I too, have had my foot slip off the clutch pedal after stepping in fuel.

 

Actually, for all these years, what I do is take along a 5 gallon container of speedi-dry, or zip-zorb. If no one knows what either of that is, it's the absorbent that mechanics put down on the garage floor to absorb the oils. This gives you good traction/footing, and it is easier to clean up if it falls inside of the truck(i run day cabs), and I keep it inside the cab, to make sure no one steals it, if mounted on the cat walk. As for salt, if you do not clean it up right away, (if it spills in your truck) and it gets wet (and usually will) then it makes for one heck of a mess. By the way, kitty litter is made from the same material, only a scent is added many time, to kill the odors. I also use this stuff when my wheels spin, as rock salt takes too long to melt the snow/ice, and i just do not have that kind of time, on my "timed" route.

Sorry forgot to add, I have also carried along a rubber hammer, such as what is used to hammer on hubcaps. I use that to break off the ice on the steps. The rubber hammer (or mallet) is far better than a metal hammer, as with that, you WILL destroy your steps, over time. Explain the damaged upper step to your boss. Bottom one, maybe you hit something.

Well given the global climate, i can fully assure you, that SOMEDAY, you people in AZ, will FULLY not only experience snow, but even a major blizzard. No state is absolutely free of snow, ever. Even I do believe, Hawaii got snow one year. Look that up!

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4367671]I have to say, there are few things funnier than seeing someone else slip on ice and land on their fat axx, but as we get older, it really is a serious deal. I've slipped on the deck plate, or got out of the truck and landed on my can because the foot steps were icy. I see now, they make these treads that you clip on your shoes, targeted at seniors, but a good idea. And I too, have had my foot slip off the clutch pedal after stepping in fuel.[/QUOTE]

I fell off my truck a couple of years ago, and I'm here to say it was not funny in any way. Concussion, broken elbow, sprained wrist, and I only fell off my top step. My bad - didn't use 3 point, had stuff in hands, totally messed up, but never again. If your steps are icy, of course knock the snow and ice off of them. Or, just stay inside!

 

3 pt contact is good but that won't stop one from falling it the steps are slick.If you don't keep those steps free of ice and snow believe me you could have one heck of a fall same when entering and exiting trailers.

 

Hi Starboyjim, I didn't mean "laugh out loud" funny, but seeing someone else slip on a sidewalk is one thing, but falling off a truck, you add 3 to 4 feet to the fall, and you're right, that's where the problem is.

 

Yes.. and just so I don't fall "on my butt".. I carry my pockets full of it and toss it ahead of myself as I walk into truckstop..

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4368037]Hi Starboyjim, I didn't mean "laugh out loud" funny, but seeing someone else slip on a sidewalk is one thing, but falling off a truck, you add 3 to 4 feet to the fall, and you're right, that's where the problem is.[/QUOTE]

Got it, Semi. You're so right, that 3-4 feet was really impressive. 2 years, and I'm almost healed up, just the elbow nagging now. Learn from experience, I guess.

 

Umm....salt is corrosive to metal, so if you drive something worth looking at, don't use salt on the steps. Kitty litter only