James T, My husband is a truck driver-?

Question

in the past he has always driven in Ca. Now he is driving long haul, and there are snow and ice storms all over the country- do you have any suggestions and tips for him for driving safely in this weather? Please answer ASAP.

Answer 1

Drive like a responsible driver, keep chains with him at all times. If the truck gets out of control, dont force it to do what he wants it to.  Keep food in the truck, and just drive safe...

Answer 2

I run towaway, we get paid to pull new EMPTY trailers, the only big difference in summer and winter running  to me is a good supply of power service for the fuel, I carry chains but don't use them, God can either hang iron for me or I'll wait for the plow, Homey don't hang no iron, and I have TWO 2 burners stoves, one electric and one gas, the gas (camp stove) works good just open the bunk vents and the door glass a couple inches for ventalation, I carry 6-8 gallons of water, canned soup, instant hot chocolate , loaf of bread,and anything else ie: dry or canned goods,wal-mart loves me. If you get snowed in, you dont go hungry. I make spagetti and meatballs and and anything else that sounds good. If I can  make at the house, I fill the fridge and carry pots, pans, sponges and dawn with ALOT of paper towels to dry with. I do this year round for the most part because $30.00 at wal-mart can feed you for a week vs $100-$120 at a truckstop where they cook it like THEY like it.

Answer 3

My son drives semi. We live in OHIO,he has to leave for Massachusetts today,then come back thru Pennsylvania. He keeps insulated coveralls,boots,etc. He also has a little fridge ,with food & drinks. 2 cell phones & cb radio.Just take it easy & watch out for cars & others that don't have enough sence to keep their head& tail lights on!

Answer 4

More following distance,  then some more as well.

Do everything slow and easy.

If he isn't comfortable driving,   park it.   Dispatchers get paid to reset delivery appointments.   Nothing is so important to needlessly risk injury or death.

Plan trips out with an eye on the weather.   Sometimes,  the longer route is faster and safer.

Don't run in packs,  stay away from other vehicles.

Slow down.

Answer 5

carry extra supplies...........drive slow............and always remember that no load or job is worth dying for.......park it if you feel unsafe

Answer 6

There are two things I keep in mind while driving a truck in foul weather. First, if it gets bad enough to require chains; the truck gets parked! Second, with regards to the load: If they want it there real bad today, then they'll want even more tomorrow!. A loaded truck is generally not a problem when travelling in snow, etc. It's the empty trailers that make it harder. Trouble is with most drivers they are not getting paid if the trailer is empty so they want to get to another load for their haul back. Best advice, take it slow and stay very alert for passenger cars. Better to make it safely then to worry about how much money the load is worth.

Answer 7

I drove from Ohio to Washington state for a year. I have had to put cables on several times just to run a few miles when there was no place to park, so he should carry cables or chains in case he gets into a situation where he can't pull over. Carry non-perishable foods, especially peanut butter which is high in protein, extra warm clothes, extra boots (in case he has to be out in bad weather), emergency equipment such as flares, triangles, etc. If he has a satellite radio, they can tell him of the weather conditions and help him decide which route to take to avoid bad weather. If he has a qualcom in the truck, he can send for help if he brakes down on it (cell phones don't always have a signal). The number one rule is to slow down in bad weather to any speed he is comfortable doing, not to be intimidated by other drivers who want to go faster (seen a few accidents by those drivers) and if he isn't comfortable driving he should park as he has just become a hazard. Driving scared is not safe. Good luck to him.

Answer 8

first tip is slow down and dont get in a hurry

second keep a good eye on the weather  and listen to forcasts

third if you dont feel comfortable/safe park the truck no load is worth getting hurt over

fourth keep supplies in truck just in case  warm clothes water food

hope this helps

Answer 9

Drive slowly.

Buy chains. Learn how to use them. Cables are easier to install then chains, but chains are more effective. Pay extra to have them installed at the shop or on the side of the road.

Do not try to drive through snow that is deeper than the bottom of your vehicle.

Pay attention to the No Parking signs. You do not want your vehicle to be parked in the way of snow removal machines.

Know how to get out of a slide. Carry tow straps with you in case you need to be pulled out of a snow bank or a large pile of snow.

Carry a shovel with you at all times. Even if you can drive in the snow, other people may get stuck in front of you. Be prepared to help dig someone out of the snow.