A winter driving primer for truck drivers

With winter weather sweeping across much of the U.S., it’s time to take a closer look at winter driving techniques. Driving a big rig across treacherous winter roads takes an extra level of care, something our drivers know all about.

The fact is, you’ve got to drive slower and more deliberate on winter roads. Above all, if the roads are simply unsafe, you might need to pull over and wait for conditions to improve.

Otherwise, keep these winter driving techniques in mind:

• Don’t be in a rush. Give yourself plenty of time to get a feel for the current road conditions.
• Be extra gentle in how you make turns.
• Don’t brake too hard.
• Avoid using the engine brake or speed retarder.
• Never pump antilock brakes.
• Unless it’s absolutely necessary, try to avoid passing slower vehicles.
• Drive steady. Try to avoid unnecessary slowing down or speeding up.
• Go into curves at a lower speed than normal.
• Don’t brake too hard while turning into a curve.
• Try to avoid driving next to other vehicles.
• Keep a larger following distance.

As the winter season arrives, we here at Double D Distribution know how important it is to keep safe driving tips in mind. Getting your freight from one place to another in the safest manner possible is at the core of our mission.

Are you looking to partner with a trusted motor carrier with first-class drivers who know how to navigate wintry roads? If so, contact us today!