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Weather Safety Best Practices…For ALL seasons…

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  • Caution is the rule when visibility is poor.
  • If you can see only six (6) vehicle lengths ahead of you, 20-30 mph should be your maximum speed.
  • Caution is the rule when visibility is poor.
  • If you can see only six (6) vehicle lengths ahead of you, 20-30 mph should be your maximum speed.
  • If you can see only two (2) vehicle lengths ahead of you, 10-15 mph should be your absolute maximum speed.
  • Ability to judge distance is severely limited.
  • Use your lights. Low beam works best. Taillights help drivers behind you keep track of your presence.
  • Use your wipers to clear fine mist in the fog.
  • Allow extra time.

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  • Rain mixed with dirt, oil and grease makes pavement extremely slick.
  • Drive the “wipes” to get maximum traction (wipes are the “tracks” left by other vehicles).
  • “Path of Light” driving: Make sure of reflections that occur when roads are wet.
  • Hydroplaning: Traction is only present wen your tires are in contact with the road surface (caused by excessive speed, under-inflated tires or worn tires).

 

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  • Snowy conditions cause reduced traction and poor visibility demanding extra caution and a reduction in speed. Use chains if possible.
  • Allow for increased stopping distance
  • Accelerating, steering and braking should be done carefully and smoothly to minimize the chance for skids.
  • Give yourself plenty of time and space, be extra alert; simple caution might save your life or someone else’s.
  • Pack a winter survival kit: Extra clothing, survival rations, first aid supplies, a blanket, and a small shovel.
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  • Improper braking can lock up your rig’s wheels, causing you to lose control.
  • Improper steering can throw you out of control.
  • Over-acceleration can start drive wheels spinning.
  • Sudden deceleration will have the effect of the trailer pushing the tractor
  • Don’t tailgate! Increase vehicle braking distance 4 to 10 times what you would on dry pavement.
  • Driving “too fast for conditions” causes accidents.
  • Professional drivers know these simple rules and always follow them.