Essential Safety Driving Tips for Truck Drivers this Winter

Operating heavy trucks and trailers during winter can be dangerous if drivers are not prepared. Winter driving requires specific skills and an adapted driving style that adheres to road safety in poor weather conditions. Apart from sensible manoeuvring and correct skid control techniques, driving safely on slippery roads demands knowledge and preventative safety skills. 

 Below there are some tips to follow so you remain safe on the roads this winter:

1. Be prepared 

Winter driving can involve many weather-related issues that can quickly get out of control if drivers are ill-prepared. Before departure, it is critical for drivers to have essential supplies and emergency items packed and on hand to be used when required. 

Essential items: 

• Snow chains 

• Flashlight 

• Water supply 

• Non-perishable snacks 

• Matches  

• Road flares 

• Warm, waterproof clothing 

• Thick blankets 

• Extra fuel 

• Bag of salt 

• Powerbank for cell phone battery 

Practice chaining prior to departure as it is always better to learn how to chain a new set of tyres in a safe environment rather than learning on a snowy mountain pass in icy conditions.  

2. Vehicle inspection 

Before entering the icy roads, drivers must conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection of the truck and trailer they will be operating to ensure everything is functioning as it should. During winter, it is important to pay attention to the engine and brakes in particular.  

Ensure fluids are topped up and not frozen, that the heater and windshield defroster are working well, and that tires are in good condition for winter driving. Check oil and anti-freeze levels are optimal. 

Vehicle inspection should also be conducted throughout the journey. Each time drivers make a rest stop, it is a good idea to do a quick check to ensure continuous safety – especially undercarriage inspection as some ice or debris may accumulate and cause risk to fellow road users. 

3. Check the weather 

It is important for drivers to be aware of what weather conditions they are likely to encounter on their trip to be prepared. The last thing drivers need are surprises that might impact their performance. Before departure, drivers must check weather applications for snowfall, rain, fog, and ice as these are hazardous conditions to haul heavy cargo in.  

Drivers must be able to anticipate possible changes in weather conditions to successfully navigate their route and make changes to approach if required by changing weather systems. 

4. Defensive driving 

Defensive driving ensures safer roads for all users, especially during winter.  In poor weather, road conditions can change suddenly and drivers need to be able to adapt quickly to avoid harmful situations. They must avoid sudden actions and changing lanes often as this can be dangerous on slippery roads and with reduced visibility and allow for double front and rear space than usual when changing lanes.  
 
Drivers must use the 10-second rule in winter – leaving 10 seconds of distance from the vehicle in front – to allow enough time to recalibrate if required on icy or wet roads. 

5. Avoid the Jake Brake 

Using the Jake Brake can be tempting to some drivers when weather conditions decline. However, this must be avoided. Often, when the Jake Brake is deployed during inclement weather such as snowfall and icy roads it results in the truck and trailer skidding and sliding. A loss of vehicle control must be avoided at all times; thus drivers must drive slowly and cautiously with enough distance behind other vehicles so that normal breaks will suffice. 

When parking at night, drivers must only use truck brakes and not trailer brakes to avoid having to hammer multiple trailer brake drums in the morning due to overnight frosting.  

6. Keep a full fuel tank 

Apart from requiring enough fuel to endure long distances, there is an additional benefit for always keeping fuel tanks full: weight. In harsh winter driving conditions, it is critical to keep trucks as heavy as possible to provide increased traction on icy roads.  

For improved traction, drivers must fit high-quality lug tires with correct tire pressure to ensure safe winter driving. 

7. Don’t follow brake lights 

When driving in low visibility, some drivers tend to watch the taillights of vehicles ahead of them to assist with direction. However, it is difficult to judge depth and distance in poor light conditions which can result in driving too close, risking potential collisions. If drivers can clearly see taillights in poor visibility, it means they are not keeping a safe distance.  

8. Keep lights clean 

Headlights and signal lights are what keep trucks and trailers visible at night and in low visibility. Snow and ice can settle on these lights resulting in trucks becoming invisible to other road users. Drivers must always ensure that their truck and trailer lights are clean and clear from snow and debris. 

Drivers must constantly make themselves noticeable while driving in unfavourable weather so that other vehicles are able to adjust their course and avoid potentially risky situations. Signal lights must always be used to let road users be aware of a truck driver’s intentions. 

9. Drivers must know their limits 

The most critical element of driving in the winter is knowing when to get off the road. When in doubt, pull over – this will always be the safest option. Risky situations are increased when less time is given to make appropriate and common-sense decisions. If drivers are feeling fatigued, unwell, or uncomfortable driving in harsh weather, they must pull over immediately to recalibrate. 

It is the driver’s responsibility to take regular rests to ensure they always remain alert and in control of their faculties and vehicle. Wintertime deliveries will usually take longer due to difficult weather, and a driver’s safety must never be jeopardised to meet delivery demands.  

Keep your deliveries moving this winter with TIP Used 

Prepare your team with the best well-maintained trucks and trailers to keep your logistics moving this winter. 

TIP Used – part of Europe’s leading truck and trailer leasing and rental provider TIP Group – is one of the largest suppliers of well-maintained second-hand trucks and trailers in the commercial vehicle sector.  

With over 55 years of experience, TIP Used offers a variety of well-maintained used products from the best brands in Europe, including Krone, Schmitz, SDC, Volvo, MAN and DAF without compromising safety and quality. With 120 TIP workshop locations, you can also request any modifications to a vehicle before purchasing while enjoying extra services such as financing options, lifecycle maintenance and repair and telematics.  

Visit tip-used.com to learn more about the available stock in your region or contact one of our sales managers to help you find the perfect transport solution for your needs and budget!