As an Over the Road (OTR) truck driver, traveling from state to state not only means seeing different environments, but feeling them as well. Crossing this great nation, there are a variety of weather patterns. From baron deserts with blistering heat, to penetrating cold, sometimes accompanied by a fury of snow, as a truck driver you need to be ready to see it all.
While some weather conditions are simply too dangerous to drive through, such as tornados and blizzards, a truck driver has to push through many circumstances that most passenger vehicles wouldn’t. When a situation arises when you have to drive through weather you have never been in before, what do you do? Many truck drivers have many suggestions, some will work for you and some won’t.
In many cases, states will have road conditions posted on the Department of Transportation website. Most will also have a link where you can receive tips on driving through hazardous conditions. Some of the most basic tips for driving through any weather situation are:
Make sure you have enough fluids. Coolant, windshield washer fluid, oil, break fluids and transmission fluids should be checked before setting out on any drive.
Check the tread on your tires.
Check the condition of your windshield wipers. Good windshield wipers are a must when driving through rain, snow and sometimes heavy wind (because of flying debris).
One of the most important things to remember before driving through hazardous weather is that no load is worth your life. If the weather seems too perilous, do not drive through it. If you think you can make it through, remember to drive slow and stay alert. Stay within your comfort zone.
If you don’t feel comfortable going faster speeds in some types of weather, don’t. As you advance in your trucking career, you might become more comfortable with bad weather conditions and be able to handle them a bit more. However, pushing yourself past what you think is safe is never a good idea.
There are many different weather conditions out there. Some are easy to drive in, while others are not so easy. Knowing your surroundings and what you are getting into is a must as a truck driver. Simply remember to drive safe and enjoy your trucking job.
0 comments:
Post a Comment