Tips for Truck Driving in Hard Rain

Climate change has caused us to endure torrential downpours, widespread flooding, and powerful winds with dangerous gusts. Remember these truths:

• Make sure you have ample lubrication of the correct type on your truck’s fifth wheel plate. Rain water washes away the grease on your plate. Running with a dry plate is dangerous as it keeps the tractor and trailer from pivoting on curves and corners, effectively causing the trailer to steer your rig and making handling difficult. Carry extra lube just in case.
• Severe thunderstorms come with strong winds that have the power to cause a rollover crash if your trailer is empty or loaded light. Dry van trailers and reefers have high sides that catch a great deal of wind. It can be a hazard even with a heavy load as it causes handling problems. Slow down to keep your vehicle under control in strong winds.
• Keep a lookout for puddles on the road ahead. If you see one, slow down to avoid hydroplaning that could cause you to lose control even with a heavy load. Caution and skill must be used to navigate wet roads.
•   Extend your following distance. Trucks need more stopping distance on wet roads to keep from losing control. Unpredictable events frequently happen on the road ahead that require evasive measures to prevent a crash.
• Leave your cruise control and engine brake off. Such technological advances may rob you of road feel on wet roads.
• No running hammer down in poor weather. Shippers and receivers know that loads are delayed when driving conditions are bad.  Choose a safe speed below the limit, run it and don’t risk a life, yours or someone else’s.
• Never drive in any weather without your seatbelt buckled. Never take a chance. Seatbelts save lives. Yours could be the next saved.
• Keep all your lights on night or day so others in your vicinity know you are there.
• Drive with your radio on to catch weather updates in order to make changes to your route to stay out of harm’s way.
• If driving conditions deteriorate beyond what you feel safe, park your truck until conditions improve. Get off the highway and find a safe place to park and destress. Take a well-deserved rest period.

We hope these tips and techniques serve to freshen your mind and work to keep you healthy, safe and get you home intact and happy. Always motor with care.