Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Whether youre just out of truck driver school or a seasoned veteran on the roads, winter weather can make operating your rig a tricky proposition use these winter driving safety tips for commercial drivers to make sound decisions and be safe out on the roads this winter. Winter driving tips for truck drivers roadmaster drivers. If you must travel during winter weather, preparing your car in advance, knowing the forecast and driving based on road conditions are three key ways to help you drive more safely. Winter driving tips for truck drivers roadmaster drivers school. Adults 65 and older are involved in more car crashes per mile driven than those in nearly all other age groups. Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow. Each office knows the local area and will issue warnings, watches or advisories based on local criteria.
Inspect the following vehicle systems and ensure they are operating properly. Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to research by the aaa foundation for traffic safety. By getting your car ready for winter and using some simple tips to drive safely, you can face almost any weather mother nature decides to send your way. The company requires that all drivers follow the winter contingency plan and use all precautions necessary to operate safely in inclement weather. Driving in the winter can be harrowing, especially in snowstorms and icy conditions. In addition to cold stress, there are other winter weather related hazards that workers may be exposed to when performing tasks such as driving in the snow, removing snow from rooftops, and working near downed or damaged power lines. It is necessary to adapt your driving style, when driving in poor weather conditions, especially on snowcovered or icy roads. Check out ontario 511, the pretrip planning tool that lets drivers know about events that may impact their travel on provincial highways. Dehydration is an important symptom to look out for if you are stranded in your. Top 10 tips for winter driving taking a number of simple precautions can ensure safety on irish roads during winter. The following items should be considered when developing winter contingency plans. If you drive an automatic, check the handbook some have a winter mode or recommend selecting 2 in slippery conditions. Winter driving winter in illinois means everything from fog, rain, ice, snow, slippery roads, and poor visibility.
Winter weather health and safety tips wisconsin department. Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, landslides and floods, so if youre in a hurricanes path, you should take extra precautions to ensure a safe evacuation and return to the area. There is a wealth of information about winter safety available from a variety of sources, including on minimum temperatures for work, adverse weather policies and personal protective equipment for adverse weather and temperature extremes. Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter drivingrelated tasks, such as cleaning off your windshield, as well as any supplies you might need in an emergency. Dec 14, 2016 learn how to navigate snow and ice in your vehicle rtv6 news brings you the best breaking news coverage in indiana. Winter driving tips for the trucker a professional drivers. Take frequent rests, and again, be aware of the precautions to take with extreme cold temperatures. Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme coldweather conditions. Sharpen your winter weather driving skills and know how your. Additionalpreparationscanhelpmakeatripsafer,orhelp. Remember, if winter weather is forecast, eliminate all unnecessary travel. No one wants to break down in any season, but especially not in cold or snowy winter weather.
Start the season off right by ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition. If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Winter is an especially important time to be vigilant when driving because road conditions and weather may not be optimal. Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions. By following these tips and advice, youll be ready for winter driving. Winter driving tips for the trucker a professional. Cold weather slips and falls 9 defenses safety training video fall prevention dont let cold weather put you down. There are a number of simple precautions the rsa advises for driving over the. When traveling in colder climates one must always be ready for whatever you may encounter. But in moreorless normal winter weather, driving is more about care and attention than fear and loathing. Visit your mechanic for a tuneup and other routine maintenance. Nov 23, 2018 information about winter safe driving and shareable resources in a variety of formats.
Employers requiring information on other aspects of winter safety are welcome to contact rospas infocentre. Check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on a trip. Inspect the vehicle to ensure the following systems are operating properly. Precautions to take winterize your car before the bad weather hits. Some of the most important tips for safe winter driving include. This will keep you and your family safe and allow penndot to more easily perform its winter duties. Proper clothing loose layers of clothing, extra gloves, rain gear. It takes longer to stop a car during the winter weather so slow down and allow. Winter contingency plan winter driving precautions. Winter storm watch a significant winter weather event i. Cdc is a 15page pdf that covers planning ahead for cold weather, indoors and outdoor safety in cold weather, and cold weather health conditions.
Winter driving tips severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for travelers. If a winter storm strands you in your vehicle, immediately get out and start looking for help. Winter weather hazardsprecautions occupational safety. This information is from the wisconsin department of.
Adverse weather and longer periods of darkness especially after the clocks go back at the end of october makes driving more hazardous. Following are some winter driving safety tips to help you prepare for the elements before you face them on the road. Cornell cooperative extension winter weather safety. A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area.
For example, the amount of snow that triggers a winter storm warning in the. Safe winter driving occupational safety and health. Keep two hands on the wheel distance yourself from trucks, buses, and vehicles towing trailers keep an eye out for debris, downed powerlines, and branches. Winter driving safety stay off of the road if possible if this is not possible accelerate slowly increase your following distance brake early approach bridges, shaded spots and turns slowly never use cruise control use snow tires or chains. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weatherrelated health problems. Review preparation tips and precautions for a safe winter adventure. View these tips from aaa to help motorists driving in adverse weather conditions. Winter storm warning a significant winter storm or hazardous winter. Winter brings some of the most challenging driving conditions.
You should practice winter weather driving at night so that it is more realistic. Information about winter safe driving and shareable resources in a variety of formats. During the daylight, rehearse maneuvers slowly on ice or snow in an empty lot. Safe winter driving winterdrivingcanbehazardousandscary,especiallyinnorthernregionsthatget alotofsnowandice. Be prepared for winter driving national safety council. Winter weather requires special driving precautions.
Winter 2008 winter safety tips emergency contacts jhmi 54444 homewood 67777. Make sure the vehicle is in good operational condition. Inspect the vehicle to ensure the following systems are operating. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather related health problems. See your vehicle owners manual for specific recommendations on coolant. Dont get caught out if severe weather hits, make the necessary checks on your vehicle now.
Yes, this is common sense but how many of us jump in our vehicle when the weather looks nice and end up in a storm. Schedule extra time for winter travel and be patient during ice and snow removal operations. Driving a tractor trailer in serious winter conditions, demands a specific set of skills for all professional truck drivers. Indot wants you and your family to stay safe on the roads this winter. Dec 22, 2017 now that snow is here, its time to get outside. It can be used to view road conditions on 549 highway cameras or as reported by our field staff, forecasted driving conditions which display. Check your car manual and find out if your vehicle has safety assist technology. Mother nature has some tricks up her sleeve in the winter. In addition to annual maintenance, here are some tips to winterize your car. You can take some simple precautions to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Check your local media, call 511, or go online for information.
Us dept of commerce national oceanic and atmospheric administration national weather service weatherready nation 25 east west highway silver spring, md 20910. Winter driving tips december 2017 winter driving tips driving in the winter is very different than in other times of the year. And you need to pay attention to the weather reports to be sure no howler is coming. Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip.