The recent heavy rains and flash floods in Texas and Louisiana are an important reminder about the power of Mother Nature. The region received over two feet of rain, setting new flood records in several locations, damaging thousands of area homes, and closing multiple major roadways. The truck drivers at Bay & Bay Transportation in the Dallas, TX community know how to navigate safely when their route is affected by flash flooding and other dangerous weather conditions.
About one-quarter of all speeding-related truck driving incidents are caused by inclement weather conditions. Protect yourself and your fellow drivers by adjusting your driving style. Start by reducing your speed by one-third on wet roads. For example, if the posted speed limit is 60 miles per hour, you should reduce your speed to 40 miles per hour.
In addition to reducing speeds, you should also allow more time for signaling and making maneuvers. Begin signaling sooner than normal before changing lanes or entering a turn lane. Look a minimum of fifteen seconds ahead of you in good driving conditions, and farther still during bad weather.
Never attempt to drive over flooded roadways, no matter how shallow the water seems. Be especially careful at night when your visibility is reduced. Our 80,000 pound commercial trucks are powerful vehicles, but they are not more powerful than floodwaters. It takes only one foot of fast-moving water to carry away a small car. Two feet will carry away most vehicles, including commercial vehicles. Don’t let your guard down if a previously flooded road appears dry. Floodwaters can weaken the roadbed, allowing it to collapse under the weight of a heavy commercial vehicle. We recommend planning multiple routes so that you’re always driving on safe, dry roads.
We recommend that our Texas truck drivers keep the following links bookmarked in their smartphones. Refer to them before you leave the truck stop to begin your route.
Texas Department of Transportation
Texas Traffic and Road Closures
Pay close attention to the other drivers on the road. If other commercial trucks have pulled off the road, you may want to consider doing the same. Part of what makes our Bay & Bay Transportation team one of 2016’s Best Fleets To Drive For is our commitment to truck driving safety in the Dallas, TX community and nationwide. Contact us at 888-801-3026 to learn about our truck driving career opportunities.