CDL Driving - How To Stay Alive This Winter!

Fall has arrived and it is that time of year again when the start of the cold weather patterns can throw up some of the worst driving conditions known to man. As a professional CDL Driver you will be well aware of the dangers as we approach the season where icy and snow laden hazardous roads are part of our normal daily lives.

If your work takes you into the Northwest and Northeast you will be particularly conscious of the probable hazards that await you. Preventing a break down is never more important than at this time of year, and with a little forward planning, a great deal of unnecessary discomfort can be eliminated.

It is not only timely, but also a great idea to test out vehicles to make sure everything is in top operational condition before starting out on those freezing long haul or even short-haul jobs. This will help you steer clear of any unforeseeable issues that might occur on the first icy morning you come across.

Batteries are likely to be the first to suffer under a demanding wintry environment, and you must have them checked pre-winter for reliability. You will be glad you took a little extra time and effort when the light is fading, the snow is falling and turning to ice, and there is a strong wind blowing with a chill factor that you might not even want to think about.

Preventative maintenance is the key to a winter with less on road dramas. It is designed to prevent trouble from happening in the first place, saving you long delays and lost work hours. Break downs can impact substantially on your income, so it makes sense to have yourself and your truck prepared.

Winter is a notably more dangerous time on the roads, even for the most experienced and skillful CDL drivers. We have compiled a list below to lend a hand to every CDL A Diver regardless of their experience, to pick up a couple of tips to make their job on the road easier:

• Ensure your truck is in good condition, and do regular checks during your trip.
• Be sure to clean any ice and snow off your vehicle particularly around the hood of the truck, and the lights and windows to always maintain the best visibility.
• Always keep your gas tank half filled during winter, in case you are stranded on the roadside.
• Check your Winter Driving Kit and make sure it includes:

- A flashlight with new spare batteries
- Adequate warm winter clothing including gloves, boots and jackets
- Fresh drinking water and long-lasting food items such as canned food
- Blankets for warmth if you are not able to run your APU
- A well stocked first aid kit
- Your prescription medication if you have any
- Cell phone with charger
- Windshield scrapers for removing build up of snow and ice.
- Snow chains for tires
- Traction mats
- Jumper cables.

During your CDL driving career you will without a doubt encounter wet and slippery roads and icy conditions during winter. You should compensate for the treacherous conditions by slowing down to increase your traction, whilst simultaneously being aware of other vehicles around you. Remember also, that 'patient is a virtue'.

The gentle use of brakes will assist you to avoid locking up your rig and sliding off the road. You should also be conscious of overzealous acceleration as this can have a similar effect. The name of the game is to keep your rig on the road. Give yourself enough room up ahead to be able to slow down safely should you need to stop unexpectedly.

Sobering research shows that the distance you will need for stopping on ice at 0 degrees F, is twice the distance that you would need if you were stopping with a temperature of 32 degrees F.

Black Ice is a phenomenon that causes many accidents. It can often appear as looking like just a wet road in front of you. There are warning signs however and as a professional driver you will be looking for ice build up on road signs and trees in the vicinity. The most telling sign to watch for is when a vehicle in front of you suddenly stops spraying water at you from their tires. You can be sure that they have hit a patch of black ice!

You can also avoid hazards on the road by deceleration and steering around the object on the road, rather than braking suddenly and causing your rig to jack-knife. Professional drivers are also aware how important it is to have a good grip on the steering wheel at all times, particularly when driving in conditions where there is a strong side wind.

Another tip is to keep updated on the latest weather conditions and forecasts for the region you are going to be traveling to. Each state's transportation radio station is a great source of weather information. Always heed warnings that are issued and look for roadside warning signs which may specify the use of chains in snow conditions. Be aware of the possibility of the presence of a snowplow, and always be aware of emergency vehicles during winter. Safe trucking...

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