Heavy-duty truck drivers can’t afford to let the rain put them behind schedule. Whether it’s a drizzle or deluge, your risk of an accident significantly increases when the rain starts falling. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the following safety tips to avoid an accident and the need for towing services.

How to Drive Your Truck Safely in the Rain

1. Slow Down

The number one rule of driving in the rain is to slow down. Roads can become slippery, and you’re more at risk of hydroplaning and spinning out of control. Reduce your speed by one-third. This will also make it easier to stop if there are delays ahead of you.

2. Increase Distance Between Other Drivers

Truck drivers should keep seven seconds of stopping time between themselves and the motorists in front of them. This gives you plenty of time to slow down if traffic suddenly comes to a halt. You’ll need to increase this time during inclement weather.

A semi traveling 60 mph in clear weather requires 100 yards—the length of a football field—to brake and come to a full stop. It’s best to double the amount of stopping time and distance needed while driving in the rain.

3. Turn Your Lights On

Rains can drastically reduce visibility, so turn your lights on to alert other motorists to your presence. This includes if you encounter troubles with your truck and are waiting for towing services.

It’s crucial to check your lights in your pre-trip inspection. See that both the standard and high beams are working. Test the brake and hazard lights and any other fixtures so that you can be confident when you’re ready to go.

4. Keep the Wheel Straight

If you begin to hydroplane, remove your foot from the accelerator, and keep the wheel straight in the direction you want to go. Braking or turning sharply will only cause you to lose control entirely and may lead to a tip-over. Do your best to avoid standing water and check your tire pressure and treads before hitting the road, as a burst or flat tire can increase the chance of an accident.

If you experience a breakdown, the team at Goldbeck Towing Service can assist. This heavy-duty towing company is based in La Crosse, WI, and has specialized in towing RVs, semis, and other heavy vehicles for 60 years. Their vehicles can lift up to 13,000 pounds, and they’re committed to providing the fastest response times possible. Call (608) 781-4869 to speak with a representative and visit their website to learn more about their full range of towing services.