It’s (suddenly) that time of year again. Roads are about to get icier, traffic will be dicier, and the weather’s sure to be a lot less nice-ier. If you’re a truck driver in Philadelphia, PA, this means preparing yourself for some long chilly drives, and occasionally, some fellow drivers that act as though they’ve never seen a snowflake in their entire lives. The basic tenants of winter driving are likely already deeply ingrained into your driving technique. However, the professional truck drivers at Bay & Bay Transportation know that there’s no such thing as being over prepared, especially when natural conditions are working against you.
Career truck driving can be especially stressful right at the start of winter because many non-commercial drivers have to regain their snow legs before being confident on the roads again. This can mean erratic turns, fishtailing, sudden slowdowns, and dozens of additional road dangers on top of the usual amount. As a professional truck driver, this means being aware not only for yourself, but for everyone around you who isn’t quite on the ball.
Of course, the basic rules of winter truck driving include keeping a safe distance, maintaining slower and more consistent speeds, and taking visibility issues very seriously. Even with these tips in mind, however, it’s still possible to get caught in a tight situation. Consider these additional tips before you hit the road this winter season:
- Keep emergency supplies in your truck in case you end up stranded or need to help someone in need. These can include flashlights, extra blankets, extra pairs of socks and gloves, and waterproof gear.
- Triple check your truck driving route for potential bad weather spots and make sure you have plenty of fuel to get through them.
- Approach bridges and narrow roads with extreme caution. Excess speed and a lack of observation can only hurt you during this time of year.
- Respect the weather.
It can be easy to forget that snow can kill when you’re comfortably seated in a big-rig, but not taking the conditions of the road seriously is the best way to get yourself and your road-mates hurt.
The seasonal transition between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a prime time for freezing rain and thin ice, so watch the roads and prepare yourself for anything that may come your way. If you’re a Philadelphia, PA, resident interested in professional truck driving and would like more information, contact Bay & Bay Transportation at (888) 801-3026 or visit their website here.