No truck driver wants a towing company to have to rescue their vehicle after an accident. You rely on your vehicle to make a living, and there are always tight deadlines to meet. That’s why drivers need to practice these safe driving habits to avoid losing control of the truck, especially during the fall and winter months.

How to Maintain Control of Trucks in Rain and Snow

1. Avoid Cruise Control

Using cruise control in slippery conditions diminishes the amount of control you have over the truck. When you can’t control the speed, the truck is more likely to experience a spinout when driving on wet or slippery roads. Only use the cruise control in dry conditions and switch to manual control as soon as you see the signs of bad weather.

2. Use the Side Mirrors

Always adjust and check the side mirrors while the trailer is straight, and only start driving when you are positive that the mirrors give you a clear line of sight to either side of your vehicle. Use them whenever you are making a lane change to check for drivers trying to pass. If you fail to use them and are surprised during a lane change, it can cause you to overcorrect to avoid an accident and lose control of the rig.

3. Maximize Traction

Drivers sometimes lose control of their trucks is because their tires don’t have enough traction. If you see that sanders have been out during the snowy season, always drive on the patches of sand to give the wheels something to grab onto. When driving up a slippery hill, engage the axle interlock. This keeps all of the drive wheels engaged and improves traction on slippery roads, which helps prevent spinouts.

4. Maintain Your Brakes

On average, truck brakes need to be serviced once every 50,000 miles, but the rate of wear and tear varies because of different load sizes, terrain, and driving habits. If you notice any squealing sounds or vibrations when using the brakes, have them serviced immediately. Without properly functioning brakes, you can’t stop efficiently on a wet road and are more likely to lose control.

5. Slow Down

The easiest way to have better control of the truck and avoid having to call a towing company is to follow the rule of five. This means that you should slow down five miles per hour below the speed limit for bad weather, curves in the road, towing a light trailer, and driving in heavy traffic.

 

If you lose control of your truck because of inclement weather, contact Buckeye Riverside Towing. As a premier towing company in Cincinnati, OH, they have the capabilities to recover your rig safely and efficiently. They offer 24/7 emergency assistance, so you can have peace of mind knowing you have the help you need. Learn more online, or schedule a tow by calling (513) 244-7200.