We have asked more than 350 professional truck drivers about the most common and critical mistakes truck drivers make when driving in winter.
So, what are the most common and critical mistakes truck drivers make when driving in winter?
All advice we’ve got can be grouped into three main categories:
1. Speeding
2. Driving skills and behavior on the road
3. The decision to drive in bad conditions
Speeding
Speeding is named one of the most critical and even fatal behaviors during winter time. Almost all drivers said that driving too fast under bad weather conditions is the main reason for accidents.
While speed is the number one issue, the second place is taken by driving skills. Driving in winter has to be smooth and incredibly attentive. No sharp actions as steering or abrupt braking accepted. You need to think ahead, leave enough space for maneuver.
Driving skills and behavior on the road
Major bad driving habits indicated by truck drivers include but not limited to:
- Steering and fast movement of any kind
- Overreacting
- Hitting brakes
- Following too close, tailgating
The other actions that lead to accidents on the winter road include but not limited to:
- Not putting tire chains on until it’s too late
- Get on the phone
- Gathering up into platoons and traveling in packs
- Using cruise control
- Slowing down in the left lane
The decision to drive in bad conditions
Also many truck drivers reported that the best advice on how to drive on a winter road could be “Not to drive”. Being overconfident when leaving the yard in bad weather conditions may cost you not only the load, but your health and even life.
The problem is getting in a truck and not staying at home. Sometimes it’s just the best to let it blow over and leave a day later.
Driving tips for winter
Nevertheless, if you happen to be on the road in winter here are some tips from experienced truck drivers:
- Always keep your CB radio ON. It can save your life.
- Choose safe speed
- Leave enough space, not tailgating
- Drive smoothly, no sudden movements
- Don’t hit brakes on icy road
- Pay attention to the surroundings
- Be prepared for winter conditions. Put the chains on time.
- Learn to feel the road. Learn to feel what the truck is telling you in the steering, in the pedal, and in the seat.
- Keep your windshield clean and dry by cracking the window and let air circulation. Preliminarily you should heat the window enough to melt the snow on it.
- Don’t set brakes on the trailer
Drive smart and be safe!
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Trucking is an important part of society. Thank you for posting the common mistakes that truck drivers make in winter. Speeding, behavior, and even the decision to drive in bad conditions are all very important considerations. Hopefully, we can keep truckers safe by teaching them to heed these habits.
Yes- great tips. It’s important to drive safer during the holidays too because of bad weather and increased traffic.
Wow, Your post is nice and helpful and I really want to thank you for creating and sharing it.
This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for providing such valuable information.