Winter Driving Refresher Tips And Techniques

Since winter is now upon us, I would like to review the advice of experienced drivers about sound winter driving practices. I’ve driven through two winters without incident, but always like to keep up to date. I’m from Wisconsin, so I’ve driven in winter conditions all my life. But just the two winters driving a 18 wheeler. There are no doubt even newer drivers here who may be facing their first winter driving experience. Heck, I was in training with young drivers who had never even seen snow. Yikes. I would be especially interested in comments about avoiding a skid and the physics of handling one if a skid happens.

Winter Driving Tips

Slow down, slow down, sloooow down every time it snows or there is ice I get my doors blown off by cars and trucks.

It is simple yet effective

Avoid bunching, especially with other trucks. Distance, lots of it.

I carry two shovels with me. One is a regular snow shovel. I cut the handle down on one I already had so it would fit underneath the bunk, but I know foldable snow shovels can be found at truck stops. My second shovel is a short handled stirrup grip shovel with a sharp point for tackling ice and hard packed snow. Also carry some road salt and sand in small amounts.

The drivers I used to work with swore by kitty litter. I leave a small jug in my side box with my extra fluids.

I carry two shovels with me. One is a regular snow shovel. I cut the handle down on one I already had so it would fit underneath the bunk, but I know foldable snow shovels can be found at truck stops. My second shovel is a short handled stirrup grip shovel with a sharp point for tackling ice and hard packed snow. Also carry some road salt and sand in small amounts.