How to Stay Safe in Harsh Winter Weather
Winter is still here. Even though it seems like only a tiny amount of snow has fallen in Maryland, that doesn’t mean it won’t get worse.
Winter is still here. Even though it seems like only a tiny amount of snow has fallen in Maryland, that doesn’t mean it won’t get worse. For many truckers, driving safely in bad weather can be an anxiety-inducing challenge. Many regular drivers wrestle with this problem as well. Here is a guide on how to do it!
Watch the Sky
Be sure to keep an eye on the sky and listen to the forecast. Beginners and veterans alike should remember this. Stormy weather can endanger even the most experienced drivers. Check for every stop along your route, especially if you need to take highways, interstates, bridges, or tunnels to get to where you are going. It’s more likely to be freezing up north than it is down south. Just consider how vastly different it is to drive from the East Coast up to Canada or to go down near the Mexican border instead.
Slow Down
Another suggestion is to watch your speed. Slowing down when necessary is a reasonable way to stay safe out there. Even if you are confident in your abilities, you cannot predict what other motorists around you will do, especially if black ice is nearby, and nobody knows that it is there. Tailgating and speeding are both dangerous, but they get even riskier when the roads are slick. High winds and dense fog make it even harder to see and remain aware of your surroundings. Jackknifing is another hazard that all truckers must confront, particularly when moving through an underpass behind heavy traffic. Do whatever you can to stay safe, even if the other drivers around you don’t like it.
Balance Your Cargo
Our last suggestion is to inspect your cargo. Take the time to balance it out so that the weight won’t cause problems. Trailers and flatbeds have different capacities, so you should account for that while loading and unloading at your final destination. Too much and not enough weight can both lead to scary situations, even if you don’t crash. For whatever your vehicle might need, know that the team at Middleton & Meads is ready to help!
MIDDLETON & MEADS IS YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR VEHICLE’S NEEDS.
Need to repair your truck or bus? Contact Middleton & Meads today! Middleton & Meads provides high-quality truck and bus repair, service, and fleet management for the Baltimore, MD, area. We have over 90 years of experience in the trucking industry and will provide you with customer service like you have never experienced before! If you are interested in seeing how we can help your business, give us a call at (410) 752-5588 or visit us online today! For more articles and trucking tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn.