Winter Driving Tips For Canadian Truckers

Making long trips in the winter can be tough. Not only must you brave the cold driver’s seat first thing in the morning (unless you’ve bought a Hino seat warmer), but between navigating your truck along a crowded highway to being caught in the midst of a blizzard, Canadian winters are unforgivable. It’s important to be prepared before you climb behind the wheel. Even the most experienced drivers can struggle on roads that are coated with ice and snow. Large trucks require making wide turns and when you’re bumper to bumper on Highway 401, it can be hard to change lanes if you don’t know the rules of the road. To keep you safe this winter, we’ve outlined the best 10 tips for truck drivers to make every winter drive a safe one.

Come Prepared

While it might feel like any ordinary day, climbing behind the wheel of your truck in the winter is unpredictable. You never know what could be in store. It’s a good idea to come prepared. For starters, dress appropriately. Don’t rely on your truck’s heating system and wear a T-shirt this time of year. If your vehicle breaks down, gets a flat or encounters any other situation that leaves you stranded, you’ll need to stay warm. Next, pack an emergency kit--this includes a flashlight, dry snacks, plenty of water, a blanket and a set of jumper cables just in case.

Do a Pre-Trip Inspection

We say it time and time again. Always have a service appointment booked for your truck before it hits the road to make sure everything is performing as it should. Are your fluids topped up? Is the engine making any funny noises? Do all of the lights work? In colder temperatures, certain parts on your truck could wear out faster than others. Book a service appointment with Somerville Hino before you make the trip to be sure.

Slow Down

Making a delivery on time is important, but your life is worth more than the product you’re hauling. Most accidents can be easily prevented and are largely caused by impatient driving. While it’s annoying to be stuck in a traffic jam, taking your time in the snow could mean the difference between a serious collision and a safe journey.

Keep a Safe Distance

Big trucks require space in order to operate efficiently and safely. Although it can be comforting in a snowstorm to follow the taillights of the vehicle in front of you, it’s not a good idea. If that car suddenly slams on the brakes or is making a serious error, following the herd means you’re at risk for making the same mistake. Always keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Keep Your Hands on the Wheel

We get it. Driving with one hand on the wheel is comfortable. Plus, you can hold your Tim Horton’s double-double in the other. But if you’re faced with snowy conditions, it’s best to keep both hands on the steering wheel in case you need to make a sharp turn or steer away from another vehicle. Two hands will give you more control.

Be Gentle With the Brakes

Unless you absolutely have to slam them, apply light pressure to your accelerator and brake pads. Your truck most likely has built-in ABS which prevents the wheels from locking up. As always, don’t rely on smart technologies to do the job. Use your judgment and drive with caution.

Beware of Black Ice

Named after the way it blends against the blacktop of the pavement, black ice is the culprit behind many horrendous traffic accidents. Its surface coating is clear, not white, and it can be hard to see. Black ice can linger on sharp bends or in the middle of the road. Many drivers mistake it for a patch of water. One of the best ways to know if your truck is approaching black ice is to keep an eye on the vehicle ahead. If the spray from the back wheels on that vehicle suddenly stops, chances are it’s lying in wait up ahead.

Watch Out for Bridges

Elevated structures like highways and bridges tend to freeze first and don’t get the same TLC from the salt trucks as common roadways do. Plus, if the bridge isn’t completely flat and runs on an angle, you’re at risk for sliding downhill. Black ice tends to hide on overpasses and bridges, so apply extra caution.

Bring Your Own Salt (Or Kitty Litter!)

If you happen to find yourself stuck and the roads are clogged with snow or slush, having access to road salt could make things a whole lot easier! Road salt is bigger and melts snow quickly. Kitty litter acts like sand does to prevent your wheels from sliding. Carry an extra bag or two in case of emergencies.

Shut It Down

If the roads are too bad to drive in, don’t be afraid to speak up and tell whoever’s in charge. At the end of the day, your life is worth more than whatever your truck is carrying. A good driver knows not to test his or her luck and knows how to keep things professional. If you’re not comfortable behind the wheel, it only adds to the stress of winter driving. Freak blizzards, huge winds or freezing windchill can be reason enough to stay put or turn back. As always, if the roads get too bad when you’re halfway through a delivery, turn off at the next service centre. Never pull over on the side of the road unless you have to. Other drivers could mistake your parked vehicle for a lane and cause an accident.

Are you ready for winter driving this year? Somerville Hino has everything you need. Shop winter parts and accessories and check out our latest service specials. Give us a call today at 1-(877) 650-6296 for more information.