My fear, winter driving.

Conquer being calm in bad wind, then ice/snow became easier to grow into. Respect a dry sunny day with its normal twist and turns and your default reactions will be closer to safe. If I feel any bad gut feelings though I will shut it down.

Most important things to get disciplined on is assessment and decision when it comes to being a driver in all conditions. If you’re paying attention you’ll just about be able see everything ahead of you by watching other vehicles…make your decisions on what’s happening to them.

Also don’t drink too much coffee when you know you’re going into possible bad weather, gotta keep that anxiety in check

 

I haven't read all the replies, but I have worked for Swift for 11 years.

Except for once with my mentor, I have never chained up. And Swift likes it that way.

If I get into any kind of weather that I am uncomfortable driving in I shut it down until conditions improve.
Swift likes that as well.
You will never be forced to drive in unsafe conditions, but you will be in trouble if you choose to drive in those conditions and get yourself in an accident.

A load being a bit late because of weather is acceptable, but an accident that loses the load, or a life, is not.

 

I like your post because you are telling OP about the importance of being smooth on the controls as the Default Setting. Perfect! That’s what causes the majority of problems in bad conditions.

IMO, the worse condition on the asphalt is the ice fog. Bright, sunny cold day, dry roads and suddenly, you hit ice fog running the speed limit. If buttery smooth on the controls is the default, odds are pretty good you will be just fine. If not, hope that you regain traction before any input is needed for control.

Luck in battle.

 

So do you find most companies are okay with you going slower and shutting down in bad winter conditions? Have you worked for a company that tries to push you to drive against your best judgement?

 

Ice is worse than snow, if youre staying south of the ohio river to avoid treacherous conditions, youre doing it wrong, ice storms in the south are more prevalent than in the north

 

The southern states have less winter weather but when they do it is usually more hazardous than up north. More ice storms and less salt trucks. When winter hits I’d rather run the northern Midwest or northern plains than in the lower states. Out west- well that’s a whole different beast!

 

Ummmm no.

I would be parked

 

For weeks to months at a time?

Lol, I get it... Most folks dont run when its that bad. I live in an area that I either run in crap weather or I may as well not drive truck because I would be parked most of the winter.

 

Be wise. The worst is just below freezing. Wet out. Snowing or rain. That’s a formula for clear ice.
I just sandbagged that situation. Sat in Ohio last night. Came across to Clearfield PA today. 10 trucks off the road. 4 of them bad

 

Nothing wrong with winter.
I just book loads NOT going into bad weather.
Actually am in Idaho at the moment.