Wintertime driving requires using your entire wheelhouse of driving skills and abilities. You need to make sure you are fully rested and alert before heading out. If you are sluggish, feel tired, or did not get sufficient rest, you may want to consider sleeping in a little longer and hitting the road later when you will be able to concentrate on driving, the road conditions, and other vehicles around you.
Before pulling out, take the time to do an inspection of your truck and trailer. Clear away any snow or ice from headlights, tail lights, mirrors, and windows. You should also brush off any snow on the hood of the truck, as this will prevent it from blowing up and into your line of vision as you start driving.
During your pre-check make sure your tires are properly inflated and the load is correctly balanced. In addition, make sure your mirrors are angled correctly, the truck seat is in the proper position to reach the pedals, and you have extra food and water, should you get stuck or stranded.
Once out on the road, monitor weather reports and road conditions on a regular basis. You will want to have a Roadwatch Bullet Temperature Safety System installed, since this device monitors outdoor and road surface temperatures with fast alerts, as conditions can change unexpectedly in certain areas of the country. To ensure you arrive safely, slow down and increase the following distances between other trucks and vehicles on the road.
In wet, snowy, and icy conditions, the amount of time it takes to stop is increased and could require two to three times more distance than under dry road conditions. If you are driving on asphalt roads, be aware of the potential for black ice. This type of ice is difficult to see and could easily be mistaken for wet roads.
Last, do not be afraid to stop and get off the road if winds get too high, “white-outs” make it impossible to see, rain is freezing onto the roads as ice, or snow is accumulating quickly making roads impassable.
Suburban Seating & Safety wants you to be safe when out on the road, and we offer a variety of items you can use to maintain and operate your truck safely. Please feel to contact us at (844) SAS.SEAT (1-844-727-7328).
