Commercial Vehicle Safety

 

Ice and Snow, Take it Slow

 

1. Do not crowd the plow. Snowplows plow far and wide—sometimes very wide. The front plow extends several feet in front of the truck and may cross the center line and shoulders during plowing operations.

 

2. Do not tailgate or stop too close behind snowplows. Snowplows are usually spreading deicing materials from the back of the truck and may need to stop or take evasive action to avoid stranded vehicles. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it or use caution when passing. The road behind a snowplow will be safer to drive on.

 

3. Watch for snowplows operating in either lane on multiple lane roads. Also, a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them but they may not see you.

 

4. Do not travel beside a plow for long periods. When plowing through a snowdrift or packed snow, the impact can move the truck sideways.

 

5. Never drive into a snow cloud. It could conceal a snowplow. Snowplows can throw up a cloud of snow that can reduce your visibility to zero in less time than you can react.

 

6. Allow plenty of time to slow down when you spot a plow. Snowplows travel much slower than the posted speeds while removing snow and ice from the roads.

 

7. Give plows plenty of room. They turn and exit the road frequently.

 

DRIVER BEHAVIOR MESSAGES

 

1. Use your head not your feet when it snows. Slow down for wet, snowy, or icy conditions; when visibility is poor; or when conditions are changing or unpredictable. Do not turn your vehicle into an ‘off-road vehicle’ by driving too fast for conditions.

 

2. Avoid excessive actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen the chances of losing control of the vehicle.

 

3. Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These are all candidates for developing black ice, a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface, that may be difficult to see.

4. Allow additional room between vehicles. Winter road conditions often result in longer stopping distances.

5. Do not take chances when pulling out in front of approaching vehicles. Remember, they may not be able to slow down and you may not be able to accelerate as quickly as on dry pavement.

6. Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions. You need to be in control of when your vehicle accelerates based on road conditions. Do not let the cruise control make a bad decision for you.

 

DRIVING MANEUVERS

1. Give yourself plenty of room to stop. Stopping on snow and ice without skidding requires extra time and distance. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you do not have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal.

 

2. Go slowly on snow and ice no matter what type of vehicle you drive. Even if you drive an SUV with four-wheel drive, you may not be able to stop any faster, or maintain control any better, once you lose traction. Four-wheel drive may get you going faster, but it will not help you stop sooner.

 

3. Accelerate gradually when driving on snow.

 

4. Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers when driving on snow, ice or wet roads.

 

5. Merge slowly. Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide when driving on snow, ice or wet roads.

 

6. Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly, and never slam on the brakes. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in adverse weather, so use your brakes carefully.

 

7. Look farther ahead than you normally do when driving in adverse road conditions. Actions by other vehicles will alert you to problems more quickly and give you that split-second of extra time to react safely.

 

8. Use different driving tactics. Slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking.

 

TRIP PREPAREDNESS

 

1. Check driving conditions before leaving home. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits. If the weather is bad, remember, ice and snow, take it slow or just don’t go.

 

2. Clear the snow off your vehicle, including windows, lights, brake lights and turn signals before venturing onto snowy roadways. Make sure you can see and be seen and always buckle up.

 

3. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. It is not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.

 

4. Check your vehicle. Winter conditions can be taxing on your vehicle. Check tires, brakes, fluids, wiper blades, lights, belts and hoses to make sure they are in good condition before the start of the winter season. A breakdown is bad on a good day, and can be dangerous on a bad weather day.

 

 

 

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