Safety Tips for Driving a Truck in Rainy Weather | West Coast Enterprises

While there is nothing like driving on a clear and sunny day, unfortunately, not every trip can be this ideal. While you should never drive in severe weather, it is inevitable that any tractor-trailer driver will eventually have to make a trip in the rain. It is important to always check the weather before you head out to drive for the day so you know exactly what to expect.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 25% of speeding-related large truck fatalities occur during bad weather. Driving in the rain can make any trip more hazardous, but if you know some key safety tips, you can lessen the likelihood of having an accident—something that would derail your trip entirely. If you are looking to boost your knowledge about safe driving on rainy days, read on for our top tips!

Tips for Safely Driving an 18-Wheeler in Rainy Weather

Make sure your radio is on a low volume. It is wise to keep your radio tuned to a local weather station so you can hear any pertinent updates and road closures, but make sure the audio is low enough that you can clearly hear your surroundings and will be alerted to any emergency vehicles coming up from behind.

Give yourself more acceleration and stopping time. Because of water on the roads, everything takes a bit longer in the rain, including going and stopping. It is recommended to slow down by at least five miles per hour if there are bad weather conditions on a flat, otherwise clear road. If there are curves or steep inclines, you may want to reduce even further.

Avoid using cruise control or engine braking. Cruise control is handy on clear days, but when it is raining, it can be dangerous. Cruise control can make it more difficult to tell if your truck starts to hydroplane, so if the roads are wet, avoid its use. Additionally, engine braking on wet roads can result in a loss of traction.

When in doubt, take a break. While it is understandable that you want to get where you are going, if the weather turns too severe for you to safely drive in it, there is no harm in taking a break. Pull over at a rest stop or gas station until the weather front passes so you can make sure you can safely get where you are going.

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