Helpful Safety and Comfort Tips for Winter Truck Driving

As a driver, you can easily get caught up in loading and unloading freight as quickly as possible so you can move to the next pickup spot. However, staying safe should always be your number one priority. Responsible winter truck driving practices promote the safety of you, those you’re sharing the road with, the freight you’re carrying, and your equipment. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the precautions and techniques you can use when winter driving conditions are less than ideal.

Winter truck driving in areas with snow and ice requires heightened attention to road conditions, the vehicles in front of, next to, and behind you, and your gut instincts. If the voice inside your head is telling you the roads are too slick, listen. Find a safe and highly visible spot to pull over or turn around and return to your route when conditions improve.

Here are some of the most beneficial driving tips for truckers in snowy and icy conditions:

• Reduce speeds: Slow and steady isn’t just a message from a fable; it’s a vital practice for winter truck driving. Maintain a 10-second braking distance from vehicles in front of you. This is especially crucial for heavy haul drivers. 
• Be aware of black ice: Many drivers think black ice is only a problem at bridges and overpasses, but that’s not true. While those are likely spots, it can appear anywhere. If you notice a sudden disappearance of spray from tires ahead of you, that’s an obvious sign of black ice. Frosted mirrors and antennas also indicate black ice is present.
• Accelerate and brake slowly: Keep a firm grip on the wheel with both hands and ease into your accelerator and brake pedal. If you feel yourself slide, lightly pump your brakes to slow down. Keep your RPMs low when going up hills and ramps to avoid torque that can cause a spinout.
• Avoid clusters: If you’re packed in with a group of other vehicles, all it takes is one mistake to cause a catastrophic accident. Lag behind to give yourself plenty of time to maneuver. 

In many areas, chaining up a semi-truck is more than a winter weather driving tip for truckers—it’s the law. If cars heading the opposite direction on the interstate are covered in snow and ice, pull over and fasten your chains. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation suggestions. And remember, following this crucial safety tip doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride, so stay safe and drive responsibly.

CB radios are an essential tool for winter truck driving that allows you to talk with fellow drivers who have recently passed through the area ahead of you, so you can know what to expect.

Here are a few more beneficial winter truck driving tips for seasoned vets and new drivers alike:

• Keep cold weather essentials in your truck at all times, including:
  • Extra layers of clothes
  • Hats, scarves, gloves, etc.
  • Waterproof jackets and pants
  • Flashlights
  • Heavy duty blankets and a sleeping bag
  • Jumper cables
  • Windshield scrapers
  • Ice melt
• Keep in the right lane
• Add anti-gel additives to your diesel tank before filling up
• Keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency
• Install snow tires

If you’re pulling a conestoga, low boy, dry van, step deck, or standard flatbed during your winter truck driving run, there’s one thing we know for sure: you want to be comfortable. One of the most efficient and effective ways to keep your cab warm is using a winter front for semi trucks. Driving a truck on ice and snow is hard enough—don’t deny yourself a good night’s sleep because your teeth are chattering loud enough to be heard three counties over. 

Along with a cozy cab, custom-fit winter fronts for semi trucks provide several benefits for your trucks as well, including:

Winter truck driving means burning through fuel at a faster, less efficient rate. Winter fronts help your truck reach and maintain its ideal temperature in less time, which significantly lowers the amount of fuel needed to warm it up.

All the winter weather driving tips for truckers in the world can’t stop rain, sleet, snow, and hail from coming. And when they do, they can be hell on your engine. Winter fronts for semi trucks add a much-needed layer of protection for your engine. So when your winter truck driving routes have you going through the harshest of elements, stay safe and comfortable with a truck winter front.