Worst roads for new drivers when it comes to bad weather.

I'm about to graduate from ATDS and begin my new career as an OTR Professional Freight Hauler. ( Sounds so much better) The main worry that I have and I'm sure alot of other new drivers have are the roads up around in the Northeastern US, Colorado and other mountainous regions. I'm looking for tips from veteran drivers and drivers that take those routes alot. Like for instance some of the things to look for and how to react if you start sliding or the truck speeds up too much going down hill on a curve. Some of your experiences while driving and what you did to correct them that helped you would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Professional Freight Re-locator sounds even better.

 

The first thing to watch is your speed, the second thing is your following distance. As you experience certain road conditions you will learn the characteristics of the truck you are driving. You will learn what gear to be in. Every load you have will make your truck and trailer handle completely different on the same exact roads. I always tell drivers to follow the pucker factor in your pants, it never lies. Being new and going into your first winter don't try and be a super hero. Plan your day with the weather and road conditions forefront in your mind. Going into my 31st winter doesn't mean I get a pass. I still follow the basics every winter. And it starts with my speed and following distance. I also get the best sleep in the winter, meaning if it's not feeling good to me I'll park my truck and wait it out. Good luck, be safe and ask questions.

 

Respect the road and respect the weather.

You'll do fine if you follow those simple rules.

 

the one your on is usually the bad one

 

Yes it does sir.

 

get off the phone, turn off the music radio and listen to your truck. really. get know the feel and sounds and you will know when something is wrong just by feel or sound. your tires sing at the same tune until one is low. if you know their sound you can tell the difference.

not to sound too corny, " BE ONE WITH YOUR RIG". lol. but I do actually mean it.

 

Awww Pete come on man I can drive LOL. That was a good one though Veteran. Jbat that does sound better. I really wanna do Flatbed and I believe I will be driving for Builders Transport. They seem like a good company. Percentage pay and they say home most weekends. I'm not trying to make all the money just some. I just left a job that required me to be away 6 months at a time so anything once a month is good enough for me. Does anyone know the region in which they haul the most? John Boy thanks I know what you mean. I have hauled a Jarraff around for a tree company before. I just drove a 6 speed International with a 48 ft spindle hitch. I have a few skills though but nothing like the big boys. You gentlemen do 1 heck of a job and that is why I want to become a professional driver.

 

Just arrived in Edmonton Alberta Canada yesterday, there was a bit of a snow squall along the Saskatchewan Alberta border. road was not frozen but there was an accumulaion of slush. Love this time of year for this reason people have forgotten what snow and slush are. Had vehicals travelling in the right lane not passing ect. Here comes Courtney she tests the slush out actually I was playing then over to the left lane and passed everyone, started slow by the time I passed the last vehical I was doing the posted speed limit. All these people with their nice clean shiney cars got slushed, even passed a few truckers who were playing follow the leader. Thing is I know my abilities and I know how to drive in the winter, been there done that and it does not change even though we had road construction season inbetween.

 

For winter being from ND bald headed prairie just a little wind and loose snow can cause whiteout. Mountain passes weather can change on a dime, close to the lake region you can get heavy snow falls that leave people stranded in the middle of the road. Cant stress this enough for the new drivers, get the weather info for the day for where you are travelling, watch for signs of changes in the weather. Keep updated via your phone or internet when you stop for a break. Do not take stupid chances. The life you save will be your own.