Top Winter Driving Tips for Big Rigs | West Coast Enterprises

Watching the seasons change from behind your windshield can be so refreshing, which is part of what makes life on the road exciting. While many of us prefer to drive in perfect conditions, we can’t always control where our schedule takes us next.

If your next journey takes you north and you find yourself encountering snow and slippery roads, knowing what to do and how to adjust your driving can help keep you safe.

Be Seen

Depending on the size and intensity of the storm, visibility could be diminished and it can be really hard to see other cars or trucks on the road. That also means that those cars will have a harder time seeing you, too! Stop regularly to clean off snow from your mirrors, lights and reflective tape so you don’t take anyone by surprise.

You should also be aware of brake lights around you and ahead of you. If someone is hitting the brakes, it is probably for good reason.

Give yourself plenty of space between your vehicle and other cars so you have ample time to slow down or make the decision to change lanes if needed. If and when you change lanes, use extreme caution and watch for cars that become hidden in the snow cloud kicked up by your lane change.

Don’t Be Slick

We can’t control the conditions on the road, but we can all control how we drive on them. Some roads may be just wet and sloppy and others could be sheer ice, and oftentimes you don’t get an advanced warning before the conditions change.

Watch your acceleration speed on any entrance or exit ramps, and slow down when you go over bridges, especially if you have to stop while in the middle of one. Bridge surfaces tend to freeze first because there isn’t any ground beneath to act as insulation.

Try not to drive in the ruts of other vehicles, as their wheels could have packed snow down hard enough to become icy. If you encounter wide-open stretches of road and the wind starts to pick up, slow down and travel carefully, especially if you are hauling an empty trailer. A single gust of wind could be enough to upend your truck or cause you to slide and jackknife.

What to Pack in a Winter Emergency Kit

Winter weather is unpredictable and can quickly lead to a serious situation or end in a crash. If you end up stranded on the side of the road for any length of time, it is essential that you have a few emergency items on hand that can keep you warm and safe until help arrives.

Keep a handful of reflective triangles in your bag so you can quickly set them out in front of your rig if you are stationary. Just use extreme caution when walking around outside of your vehicle when it is slippery, as it will also be slippery for other passing cars and you certainly don’t want to get hit.

A warm blanket, flashlight, ice scraper and shovel are all also essential items to have on hand that will help you navigate your environment until help can get to you.

We hope you have a safe and uneventful winter hauling season! If you are ever in the market for a new truck or car hauler, West Coast Enterprises is the place to be.