Truck drivers need to be careful on the roads all time of year. But the winter season brings rain, hail, snow, ice and slippery roads. Truck drivers are experts when it comes to safety, and it is necessary to adapt how they operate their truck when driving in poor weather conditions, especially on snow-covered or icy roads.

BLACK ICE
Black ice is a thin layer of transparent ice that forms when the temperature is close to freezing. Truck drivers look for ice build up on their windshield, and slow down when approaching shaded areas, bridges and overpasses as these sections of road freeze sooner than others in cold weather.

PLAN AHEAD
Professional truck drivers plan their journey. They will check traffic updates and weather forecasts, and think about what route is best to take to ensure they get to their destination safely. If the weather is bad, truck drivers will allow for extra time and drive in daylight hours when visibility is better and ice is less likely to be on the road.

DROPPING SPEED
Truck drivers will drop their speed to match road conditions. No matter how much experience a truck driver may have, the way their truck will move on snow or ice can be unpredictable.

PACK THE RIGHT STUFF
Truck drivers will dress for the conditions, so if it’s cold they will wear and bring with them warm clothes and appropriate footwear. They’ll also have a survival kit in the truck in case they get stuck.