It’s that time of year again. The midwest, northeast, mountain areas in the west and more are already experiencing winter weather, including snow, sleet and hail which make driving conditions challenging, especially for truck drivers.
Medallion Transport & Logistics put together some tips to help keep truck drivers and owner-operators prepared and safe on the road.
Pre Trip Inspections are Crucial
It is always important to do a proper pre trip inspection, especially tire inflation due to constant changing temperatures during wintry conditions. Slow down and give yourself plenty of space.
Brake and accelerate slowly, most equipment is outfitted with ABS brakes but in the event you have equipment that does not have ABS- pump and release brakes lightly until you slow to a manageable speed.
Black ice can be one of the most dangerous winter conditions you may encounter.
Things you may notice when encountering black ice:
- Ice build-up on mirrors, antennas, or windshield wipers
- The spray from tires on others will stop
If the road conditions get too bad sometimes the best thing to do is to get off the road and take a break.
Don’t Leave Without These
When traveling in colder climates you never know what you may encounter.
Here are some things to remember/bring:
- Carry and wear proper clothing
- Bring an extra flashlight (or two)
- Extra food and water
- A bag of salt or sand
- Jumper cables
- Tire chains (especially if running in the northwest)
- Try to keep your fuel tanks full
More Tips
Here are more winter trucking tips from our COO, Jesse.
Questions? Contact Medallion Transport & Logistics
Medallion Transport & Logistics is committed to driver support and safety, especially when it comes to maintenance including regular inspections. We offer our freight agents and owner operators a national tire purchase program and emergency road service, although preventative maintenance for safety and to avoid any down time is always encouraged. For questions about driver safety, give us a call at 704-235-0460 or send us an email to info@medalliontrans.com.
