Driving In Snow

Hello, I am going to be starting driving school in July. I am very interested in how the trucks handle in the snow. I've got 30 years (you can't see me, make that 10 years) experience in Western New York weather, so I can just imagine what it is like in the mountains.

Welcome to the forum DD !!! we're glad to have you here.... To answer your question, big trucks handle quite well in snow, the only things you have to remember is SLOW and STEADY. don't use your cruise control, don't use your jake brake. Keep your following distance maxed out, as if you dynamite the brakes, you will jack knife, and slide. So the only real difference from a 4 wheeler is the size, weight, and potential for disaster. If you are going into training this summer, you will have months to get to know your truck and how it handles. That will be great. I really hate to see folks go thru school in october, then face their first OTR driving in the snow and ice. Feel free to go to the general forum, and ask the same question there. we have alot of professional drivers who have had years and years of winter driving. I myself have 15 years worth and sometimes I find myself learning something new on here.... Feel free to ask any questions you'd like, in either forum. You'll find yourself welcomed and entertained, and educated !!! We don't allow flaming, rude behavior, etc. This site is dedicated to giving new drivers the very best information about trucking that we can. So dive in and stat learning. And be sure and get started on the High Road....it will get you way ahead of anyone else in your school. Good Luck !! Glad to Have You !!

Thanks for responding. I agree about getting some experience before winter, but it would be nice to get some snow practice with someone sitting next to me for guidance! Do you have to put chains on the tires? I am taking the online class and am learning soooooo much.

Having to "throw iron(aka chain up) is a policy that will be different with each company. So write that down, and when you are choosing your company to go with, be it for company cdl training, or a company that picks you up after you have finished a accredited cdl school. I personally have never had to chain up our truck. I know how to, and I've chained up my personal vehicle entirely to many times in my life. But being Owner Operators, we make our own rules. I feel that if its slick enough that I need to throw iron, its time to find a place to park and sit out the storm, until the highway dept. gets the roads cleaned up a little. Whats really funny (in a sick sorta way) is how the 4 wheelers react to the snow in different areas of the states. Now when it snows around Atlanta GA, those folks go nuts...sliding in the ditch, stopping on the side of the road and making a snowman (true story,I saw it). We, as truck drivers have more to fear from the 4 wheelers, than the slick roads....When it snows in Portland OR, the whole town gridlocks...and people just step out of their cars and walk to the nearest restaurant or bar (true story, I was there !). Usually I say that we, as women should do all the work the guys do, if we want to work in their world. But its something about throwing iron that I don't hold it to that policy. I will tell you, I'd have 3 friends nearly killed by getting run over by 4 wheelers, while they were throwin' iron....its dangerous as heck...

DD, when my company issued me my snow chains they told me to put them under my bunk and don't ever get them out again. When it gets bad enough to "chain up" it's bad enough to stop and wait it out. The DOT wants to see that you have them, but they can't mandate that you drive in those conditions that require them.

Peeky boo chains are to get ya out of trouble not into it,drive to ur comfort not over it there is always room for improvement but not if ya make the one mistake that comes out with ya thinking what if?

Thanks for the imput, Old School, and Crazy Rebel. I for one can count on one hand, the times I've thrown iron. And everytime was to get to a place to park. Any company that thinks their freight is more important than my life will have one empty truck seat to fill. Our pat answer to them was always, "Your hot freight would cool off real fast in the ditch". And I swear, 4 wheelers think that the truck chain up areas are just extra passing lanes. Its dangerous to be out there trying to put chains on with stupid 4 wheelers whizzing by.

Thanks for the replies, they sure helped put my mind at ease.