Sometimes it is better to stay parked

 


The driver’s safety, safety of other motorists, safety of the load is of the highest priority
 

 

 

  • Remember you are the captain of your ship and you decide when it is not safe to continue on. 

 

 

  • As an Owner Operator we have to remember how we make our income... It is our truck and we have to keep it safe and sound for the next load.

 

 

  • If you notice a temperature drop monitor the CB for weather conditions, turn off the CB when you get into bad conditions and drive your own truck the way you feel safe.  Don't let anyone else tell you how to drive or shame you into driving faster.  Do not drive in a pack of trucks better off being by yourself.

 

 

  • Keeping the windshield clear
    • If in wet snow lower the visors and turn on defroster to hot, the visors will keep the heat at the top of windshield to keep it from freezing.
    • If in a dry snow keep the cab cold and do not use defrost or use a cold defrost to keep the windshield frozen so nothing will stick

 

 

  • Watch as other vehicles pass for road spray from their tires.  If no road spray you are on black ice. If ice forming on mirrors or antenna be aware of black ice.

 

 

  • Leave plenty of room to stop, do not become the star of a truck pileup on ice video

 

 

  • When you pull into park do not set trailer brakes only tractor brakes.  

 

 

  • If your tires are warm when you park on ice let the truck set for a few minutes then pull forward a couple of inches.  This will give a wider hole when your tires melt through the ice

 

 

  • When stopped clean of headlights and taillights especially if they are LED lights as they do not produce heat.

 

 

  • Communicate - if you shut down due to weather let your dispatcher know so they can adjust delivery or pickup times

 

 

  • Be careful when getting out of the truck on an icy lot hang on to hand rails till you have your feet under you.

 

 

  • Have the proper winter gear, boots, gloves, hats, and layers of clothing

 

 

  • Carry extra blankets, food, and water in case you get shut down on the interstate

 

 

  • If you have a generator or heater in your sleeper do not depend that it will always work as they could gel. 

 

 

  • Carry a good flashlight that has a spare set of batteries

 

 

  • Carry a bag of kitty litter to spread in front of tires for traction

 

 

  • Keep fuel tanks topped off and carry a bottle of 911 for jelling

 

Comments (3)

Linda Caffee

Bob and Linda started their driver careers after their children left home for college in 2000. Bob started as a driver for a large motor carrier with Linda as a rider. They decided to enter the Expedite industry as team drivers in 2005 and purchased their first Freightliner. Both, Bob and Linda have had their Class A licenses since the early 80's starting out driving in the oil field and hauling grain as fill in drivers where Bob worked as a diesel mechanic. Linda worked at the local country courthouse in data processing.

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Kurt Keilhofer

I think turning off the CB in bad conditions could be a terrible mistake. Yes, drive to your abilities and equipment and ignore those that want you to do otherwise. But the CB is the only way you will be warned of problems ahead. Without that knowledge you may find yourself in the middle of, or a participant in, a mess.

December 11, 2015 8:02:40 AM

Linda Caffee

We have OnSpot auto chains and never really learned much about AutoSocks

December 09, 2015 15:32:45 PM

Lori Tate

What are your thoughts on the AutoSock?

December 08, 2015 16:42:41 PM