Truck drivers spend countless hours on the road each year, making them far more likely to encounter inclement weather than other drivers. Sometimes, ensuring the timely delivery of your cargo means you’ll have to drive through bad weather. The following tips offer essential guidelines for dealing with a wide range of severe weather conditions.

3 Bad Weather Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

1. Slow Down & Increase Following Distance

A loaded semi-truck already has a significantly greater stopping distance than other vehicles, and slippery roads can further complicate matters. Reducing your speed by one third and increasing your following distance will help you stop in time to avoid an accident. It will also reduce your risk of hydroplaning and losing control of your truck.

2. Keep Extra Weight in the Trailer

Windy conditions can be devastating for semi-trucks, which are at a higher risk of getting blown over. Always check weather conditions when driving through an area prone to strong wind gusts. Empty trailers are more likely to get blown over. Because of this, it is always best to add some extra weight to the trailer when not hauling a full load to improve stability.

3. Be Aware of Black Ice Potential

As temperatures get closer to freezing, black ice can form on the roadways. While it is harder to spot black ice from higher up, observing your truck can warn you when you are likely to encounter this hazard. Watch for ice buildup around the edges of your windshield or on the side mirror arms or antenna. Be wary of roads that appear wet when temperatures are below freezing. As with heavy rains, reduce speed and increase your following distance.

If you wish to become a professional truck driver, Great Lakes Truck Driving School in Columbia Station, OH, can help you get started on this new career path. With over 500 years of combined experience, the skilled instructors at this truck driving school will ensure you receive top-quality commercial driver’s license training. To learn more about their programs, visit them online or call (440) 236-3436.