The colder months can present significant challenges for refrigerated trucks during deliveries. When driving on slippery roads and hard-to-see conditions, safety should be your top priority, whether you’re behind the wheel or managing other employees who will be there.
Why Winter Can Be Dangerous to Drivers?
Even the most experienced truckers face many challenges when the weather turns cold as extreme weather conditions can affect anyone while driving. Adverse conditions have a significant effect on your truck’s ability to stabilize, achieve proper traction, prevent collisions, and maintain good visibility. In addition to the dangers to your safety, freezing air has an adverse effect on your fuel economy, which you must take into account.
• Ice Is the Biggest Hazard
Ice is the deadliest winter hazard because it is difficult to distinguish and can cause your vehicle to lose control completely. Ice forms when the pavement is saturated by rain, melting snow, or other sources of water, causing pavement temperatures to drop below freezing. Since the surface takes longer to thaw, ice can persist on the road even when the temperature exceeds the freezing point.
• Low Visibility Is Also a Big Concern
While it is clear that a violent blizzard or ice and snow accumulation on your windshield can limit visibility, your vision can also be impaired on a quiet evening, cool. Condensation inside the windshield can make it difficult to tell if the rear window heater or defrost unit is working properly. Before hitting the road in cold weather, make sure these systems are working properly.
Tips for Refrigerated Truck Drivers
If you’re new to trucking, this could be your first winter on the road. There are some important and helpful tips to ensure you and your truck stay safe while driving in the winter.
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