Inclement Weather

Well guys I am really getting excited about driving, but there are some fears that I have and would like some tips as well as just some general advice. First, how have you guys gotten over the fear of winter driving? I am used to driving in snow to an extent, but the idea of doing it in Wyoming or most of the north is very intimidating. Second, another weather related question, how do you plan around the severe weather in the summer? I realize I cannot be full of what ifs when driving, but hopefully I can get past these fears through experience and learning a thing or two from you guys.

I'm going solo right before winter. I'm concerned about it but fear helps no man. Just keep respect for it. I think alot of people who do this job just are fly by night edge of your seat kinda people.

You see new unfamiliar places every day. Sometimes it's unnerving.

One advantage we have is that we're heavy. The extra weight helps in the winter months but as everyone will tell you, you have to pay more attention. As you get more time in the seat and get comfortable with the truck, you'll know when something just doesn't feel right. Worst case scenario, take your time. It might take longer to get there but you'll get there. Don't be surprised this winter when you see the center grass median littered with FedEx doubles that were running way to fast with a light load that got away from them and wound up scattered. I'm not bashing on FedEx specifically but you'll see pretty quick that they run way too hard for the roads at times. Just remember, you're in charge of your truck, nobody else. Drive smart, drive safe and don't drive beyond your ability.

For me it was just like driving my POV. Only difference is your pulling a trailer, I am going to assume your talking roads that are completely snow covered. Me personally I have only dealt with flagstaff when it was snowing like crazy concerning mountain driving. All I can really offer is I would drive at a speed I was comfortable with, increase braking distance, take turns slower, and change my shift points to keep down shifting as smooth as possible, and I would also keep an eye on the tach, and when going say 45 mph when braking would keep an eye on the trailer.

I say watch the tach for rpm increases. I was heading to the house and the interstate was pretty clean. I was going around 35-40 mph bad side wind and I didn't know I was driving on ice till I came to a small incline and my rpms suddenly jumped.

There are other things that can be mentioned but it might open a can of worms, but for the biggest part that is how I would(did) handle winter driving.

Hey Devan,

Slow and smoothe is how I approach wintery roads. If the conditions are too bad then get off of the road. No load is worth more than you. I have found that the northern roads are better than southern when snow is falling. They have the equipment and experience to handle it. As for icy roads, I don't move unless I absolutely have to, and, that will be at a snail pace.

Severe storms can pop up anywhere, but, you can get a heads up with some weather apps. Preparation is always key to having a smoothe safe run. If you do find yourself driving towards a storm, I would be looking for places to stop and park until it passed. Again, put your safety first.

Good luck and safe driving

We have a lot of forum conversations tagged "safe driving tips" so read through those and you'll pick up a lot. Yeah, everyone feels the same way you do when they first go solo and face their first winter. Just take it slow and don't be afraid to park it when you feel it's unsafe to drive. And don't worry about what the other drivers are doing too much. You will never, ever find weather that is so bad that nobody thinks they can push through it. There will always be someone out there on the highway crawling along at 20 mph giving it a shot. Don't worry about them. If you're uncomfortable with the conditions, park it. No big deal at all. I always had the weather radar on all year round. That will help you find both the summer storms and winter storms.

I think Daniel B. says it best in his thread, Is Winter driving on your mind?

The following is an excerpt from that thread:

Winter is around the corner and every new driver is worried about it. How is trucking in the winter? When do you shut down and will they get mad if you do? A million thoughts rush through your mind, I was there.

Not pushing through inclement weather will not make them think any differently of you. Its not worth it for the company to risk losing hundreds of thousands of dollars just to get a load in on time. They can always reschedule. Pushing through inclement weather is just about the worst thing you can do on the road in my opinion. Driving in conditions that are dangerous will eventually end your career and maybe even your life. Would you really risk your life for boxes of macaroni and cheese?

I sure as heck wouldn't. Those boxes can wait a day. At the end of the day my goal is to be alive to be able to support my family. And I won't risk my family losing me just to prove to some guy at a desk that I'm reliable. The company also doesn't want you to push through inclement weather. They have enough accidents each year and they want to avoid as much as possible.

So please, everyone reading this. Do not think that you're any less of a driver for stopping when conditions get ugly. If anything, you're a better driver than the guy going 60 mph who will get his load in on time but risk everything in exchange. The good drivers are the ones who use their head.

I will drive through rain. I will drive through snow. I won't drive through a blizzard and I won't be driving if I'm required to put on chains. In all honesty, I don't think we get paid enough to put on chains and drive down a steep grade with 79,000 pounds behind our backs. I won't drive if I feel like I'm risking my life. I'm 23 and have a bright future (at least I think) with my wonderful wife, no way I'm going to risk losing what I am blessed with just so walmart can have their product.

The more strict you are when it comes to safety then the safer you'll be.

In the end the person who makes the decision is you. You're the captain of the ship and what you say goes. Your DM has absolutely no say in whether or not you should or shouldn't drive. Drive when you feel comfortable. Go ahead and drive 15 mph with those chains on while they tear apart your tires. You'll be wasting your 70 hour clock driving super slow and making no money in return. Ill be in the truck stop sipping my hot tea talking with my family and watching TV. Meanwhile you'll be holding onto the steering wheel with your life.

I want to go the extra mile here. I want you to know what you'll be getting paid with those chains on.

Lets say my trucks maximum speed is 60mph and I get .30cpm. If you do the math, that means if I drive exactly 60mph nonstop for a full hour I will make 18$ per hour.

Now lets say you decided to drive with chains on. A safe speed is about 20 mph so lets use that with the same pay. So if you drive with chains on going exactly 20mph for a full hour nonstop. You will have made 6$ for that hour. Lets no forget those hours spent wrestling with those chains. You also wasted time off your 70 hour clock. You risked your life, wrestled with heavy chains, just so you can make 6$ per hour.

So I ask. Who is the fool and who is the wise one? The one who sat comfortably at the truck stop or the one who is so determined to get his load in on time so he can be viewed as dependable meanwhile risking his entire life and career.

Like we always says. If the weather is terrible today, chances are tomorrow morning it'll be clear and perfect for driving. So why not wait?

I hope I made my point. If you don't feel safe driving, then don't drive.