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As
Mother Nature dots the trees with vibrant hues of red, orange and
yellow, it is time to remind ourselves that the dreaded old man winter
will soon be here howling at our doors and windows.
For
those of you on the road during this season it can be a dangerous time
if not properly prepared. If you took out your winter gear out of the
truck, now is the time to check and make sure that everything is in good
order and put it back in the truck. Some of this gear ought to include:
- extra food and water
- extra pair of boots and warm clothing
- washer fluid
- matches
- fuel conditioner
- fuel filters
- small propane blow torch
- tire chains
- long tow chain or strap
Glad to see that you have your gear together, now let's refresh our memories about snow and ice driving;
Tip #1 Ice on your windshield means ice on the road.
The ice
doesn't have to be packed up on the roadway to be dangerous- a thin
sheet of ice can develop quickly into a thick problem.
Tip # 2 Keep an eye on the temperature.
Water
freezes at 32 degrees. The roadways tend to be slightly warmer than the
air temp, but once you're down that low in temperature, you need to be
wary.
Tip # 3 Look for spray coming up from other vehicles.
If
spray is coming off the tires, it's likely that the roads are wet (as
opposed to ice covered), but keep in mind that a short stretch of road
with ice on it can be just as dangerous as an ice-packed roadway.
Tip # 4 Talk to people.
Make
sure your CB radio is on and talk to the drivers around you. If you are a
new driver, try to find a seasoned driver who isn't talking a lot of
big talk. We're all a little nervous out there if we really know what
we're dealing with. You want to find a seasoned driver with a healthy
respect for physics to help talk you through it.
Tip # 5 Don't follow too close.
Traffic
tends to bunch up on bad roads-the natural inclination is to follow
other drivers. Stay away from four-wheelers. Often they are under the
illusion that the roads are safer than they actually are.
Tip # 6 Watch for warning signs.
If
there are four-wheelers spun out in the median or shoulder, the roads
are bad. If you start seeing big trucks spun out, it's time to get off
the roadway.
Tip # 7 There's no load worth your life.
If you
are on dangerous roadways, your best bet is to find a safe spot to wait
it out. Let your logbook gain some hours. If you can't find a spot in a
truck stop, park on a ramp or anywhere out of the way. Try not to park
on an incline. You're liable to get yourself stuck.
Tip # 8 Carry supplies.
In the
unfortunate event that you end up stuck, spun out, wrecked, or just
sitting in a backup, be sure you have necessities with you. Keep extra
blankets, canned food (and a can opener if needed), and water. Be sure
you keep your diesel tanks full so you won't run out. No, I am not
repeating myself, I wanted to be sure you read this the first time. Your
life my depend on carrying that little bit of extra water, food or
clothing.
Tip # 9 Treat your diesel.
Diesel
gels when it gets really cold. If your diesel gels, your truck won't
run. If you are facing winter weather conditions, you need to put an
anti-gel additive in your tanks (put it in BEFORE you fuel so it mixes).
It's a good idea to stock up ahead of time and/or buy at a Wal-Mart
rather than expecting the truck stop to have it in stock. They tend to
run out right when you need it-every one else already bought theirs from
them.
Tip # 10 Don't over drive your skill set.
Just because others are going on down the road, doesn't mean you need to or that you should. Know your limitations. When you reach your limitations, stop and park your truck until the roads improve.
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