Driving in harsh weather conditions is one of the most challenging aspects of being a truck driver. From snowstorms and freezing rain to heavy winds and poor visibility, navigating these conditions requires skill, caution, and sometimes, a bit of patience. To help ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road, we reached out to our Truck Drivers USA community to gather tips and insights on how to drive safely in extreme weather. Here are some of the top responses and expert advice from experienced truckers who have seen it all.
Slow Down and Drive to Conditions
Many drivers emphasized the importance of reducing speed when faced with poor weather conditions. As several community members pointed out, driving too fast is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in a storm.
- Darin Olson suggests, “No sudden jerks on the wheel, no sudden movements. Keep your movements slow and steady.”
- Ashley Oliva shares, “Reduce speed, don’t rely on Jakes, and let the super truckers pass you all they want. You can only go too fast in bad weather once.”
- Sergio Diez advises, “Triple or quadruple your following distance. And finally, SLOW DOWN.”
Patience is Key
While some drivers suggested pulling over and waiting for the weather to pass, others highlighted the value of patience on the road. Taking your time reduces the risk of accidents and allows you to stay alert.
- Gail Solimine recommends, “Take your time and don’t tailgate the car in front of you.”
- Shane Hays shares a cautionary note: “You can do everything right in bad weather, but all it takes is one person who thinks they are God’s gift to drivers.”
- Rosemarie Beckett offers a great tip: “Forget you’ve got a brake pedal, use the gearbox for slowing you down gently without losing traction.”
Know When to Park It
One of the most frequent pieces of advice given by drivers was simply to park the truck and wait out the storm if conditions are unsafe.
- Vivian Wheeler and Craig Noftall both suggest, “Park it.” Sometimes, the best option is to wait for the weather to improve rather than push through dangerous conditions.
- Jeff Stubenrauch reinforces this, stating, “Don’t drive in harsh weather, problem solved!”
Maintain Your Equipment
Good equipment can make a huge difference in your safety during harsh weather. Several drivers emphasized the importance of keeping your truck in top condition, particularly when it comes to visibility and braking.
- Tom J Murphy suggests, “The best wiper blades you can find and replace them as needed!”
- Matt Wilson shares a great tip for snowy conditions: “Spray silicone on your wipers but take them off to do this—DON’T spray the rubber or the windshield.”
- Kevin Gothard reminds us to always “keep your fifth wheel greased” and to “listen to what your truck is telling you.”
Keep a Safe Following Distance
Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is crucial, especially in slippery conditions. Drivers echoed this sentiment across multiple responses.
- Marcus Brown advises, “Slow down, stay alert, and have good tires.”
- Kyle Yadon adds, “People will slow down in poor conditions, but then they continue to tailgate. It doesn’t matter how slow you go, if you’re too close, you’ll hit it.”
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, many drivers stressed the importance of listening to your gut and knowing when to call it a day. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s okay to stop.
- Jeff Kratzer offers the straightforward advice: “Know your limits and don’t drive if the weather exceeds them.”
- Wayne William Campbell reflects on his time driving, saying, “Look after your body, your rig, your customers, and your boss. If you don’t feel safe, don’t do it.”
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is essential, especially when other drivers may be taking unnecessary risks. Many drivers emphasized the importance of staying alert and expecting the unexpected.
- Matt Hughes puts it simply: “If you don’t feel safe, park it. No load is worth your life or the lives of others.”
- Jemariaus Ford offers a reminder to “reduce your speed and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.”
- Tamara Leigh advises, “Drive to your ability. Don’t oversteer, and remember that just because there’s a speed limit, doesn’t mean you need to be at it or exceed it.”
Prepare for the Worst
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any situation. Some drivers suggest keeping emergency supplies on hand and staying informed about weather conditions.
- Kim Heisey Ackerman advises, “Keep chains on your truck, extra food and water, a shovel, and make sure your tanks are full. No load is worth dying for.”
- Loren Wade Golliher suggests, “Have a set of chains on hand and a good tow rope.”
Driving in harsh weather is never easy, but with the right preparation and mindset, it is possible to navigate even the toughest conditions. From slowing down and increasing your following distance to knowing when to park and wait it out, safety should always be your top priority. Listen to the truck, trust your instincts, and remember that no load is worth putting yourself or others in harm’s way.
