Do you have an upcoming route that requires semi towing in a hilly area? As a commercial driver, it’s crucial to be able to navigate the roads across different types of terrains. The last thing you want is to lose control of your vehicle due to unfamiliar conditions. Here are some tips for safely guiding your vehicle on inclines and declines 

4 Safety Tips for Semi Towing

1. Plan Your Trip

One of the best things that commercial drivers can do to prepare for a trip is to research the terrain and conditions of the route before you hit the road. Knowing what the weather will be like, what traffic flow is predicted, and what kind of roads you’ll be navigating will help you avoid unsafe situations. 

2. Give Yourself More Time

If you know that you’ll be driving on hilly terrain, add additional time to your ETA. The last thing that you want is to get involved in an accident because you needed to slow down to scale a hill and are now pressed for time. 

3. Remember Stopping Distance

Unlike passenger vehicles, you won’t be able to stop quickly while semi towing. You already know that you will need to allow yourself a further distance to stop, so add on more time when navigating a hilly or mountainous area. To determine your total stopping distance, add together your perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance and effective braking distance. 

4. Make Yourself Visible

Whenever you’re on the road, it’s important to be aware of the traffic around you and make yourself visible. While this might seem unnecessary for large vehicles, it can be more difficult to see at night, in inclement weather or when making it over a hill. Make use of your turn signals and flashers, especially when pulling a heavy load up steep terrain. 

For more advice on how to safely conduct semi towing through hilly or mountainous areas, talk to the experts at Buckeye Riverside Towing in Cincinnati, OH. From heavy-duty wrecker service to big rig towing, this towing company is skilled at handling all types of vehicles. Learn more about their services online or by calling (513) 244-7200.