Winter Weather

According to data from 10/1/2017, the most common on-road winter crashes are run off the road and jackknife accidents. Both are caused by speeds too fast for conditions, slippery roads, hydroplaning, hard braking and swerving at the same time, trying to accelerate too quickly, and following too closely. Crashes can occur at any speed but most happen at over 45 mph. 

SLOW DOWN! Maintain a safe speed for conditions. A good rule is to reduce speed by half of the posted speed limit on snow, and even more if roads are icy. Increase FOLLOWING DISTANCE to 12-15 seconds in adverse weather. Do not use cruise control or engine brakes in adverse weather. Avoid traveling as part of a “pack” of trucks.

Severe storms can bring high winds, but crosswinds as low as 40 mph can push an empty tractor-trailer on its side. Try to park headed into the wind if possible.

Most winter crashes happen between the hours of 8 AM and Noon. This is the time when roads are in “transition” and snow and ice begin to melt. Professional drivers with between 18 months and 3 years of experience are most “at risk” for a winter weather crash due to inexperience, complacency, overconfidence, and inattention. The states with the most winter weather crashes are Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, and Missouri. 

• Diesel fuel can gel in cold temperatures because it contains paraffin wax. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the wax will crystallize and leave the fuel tank clouded. At about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, it will start to gel and clog the tank and fuel filters.
• Although anti-gelling additives will not hurt diesel fuel or the engine, kerosene works just as well and is usually more cost-effective. Adding one gallon to each tank will keep fuel from gelling and is more economical than additives. Colder weather states will have anti-gel additives added to their bulk tank to prevent gelling. Try not to fuel south of Tennessee when headed north.
• Make sure to run off the top half of your tank. Tanks with more fuel have less chance of forming condensation and turning into ice or gelling. Make sure that fuel tanks remain topped off, especially before driving through remote areas or on secondary highways.
• The rule for idling at cold temperatures is called the “10 & 2 Rule”: If is 10 degrees Fahrenheit or less and the truck will be sitting for more than two hours, IDLE. This will help to prevent fuel gelling, icing, thickening of motor oil, and freezing of batteries. Fuel lines will gel before the tanks so keep the engine running and the fuel moving.

Before heading into cold weather, check the bunk heater. Every bunk heater should be turned on for about 15 minutes to make sure it is functioning properly. The heater will keep the bunk area warm without idling. It has its own fan so there is no need to run the engine.

Proper clothing includes multiple pairs of warm socks, loose layers of clothing, hoodies, hat/beanie, extra gloves, rain/snow gear and a coat for both day and night. Be sure to have a pair of winter boots with good tread that will keep your feet warm and dry.

Make sure to have snow chains in good condition onboard. Practice installing them for when they are needed. Chains give added traction; professional drivers will add chains as they are needed but before they are required. Remember, the time to chain up is right after asking “Should I chain up?”

• Wear boots with good traction every time you leave the truck. Ice hides in plain sight. There are many anti-slip tools for shoes. They can help drivers avoid a painful fall.
• Use three-points of contact when entering or exiting the truck or a trailer. To do this, have contact with the equipment with one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot. Always face the trailer, take time to get a good grip, and do not hold anything in your hands.