Tips For Driving in Turbulent Weather

Truck driver safety is all about appropriately assessing the weather condition and adjusting your driving to ensure a safe journey for yourself and the motorists who share the road with you. Turbulent weather can significantly impact how you drive, and it is essential to maintain safety protocols. We have rounded up the best driving tips so you can work safely. 

Be Aware of the Weather Forecast 

It is crucial to verify the weather forecast before leaving for your destination. Being mindful of how quickly the winds are moving is vital to being safe while operating a truck in severe weather, regardless of the length of the drive.

When met with dangerous and strong winds, remember that winds measured at 90 km/h or greater are too much of a risk, and you should refrain from driving. Semi-trucks and the cargo they transport can be blown off the road by strong winds, which can be problematic for the driver and the business whose load they are carrying. 

When faced with extremely cold weather, consider letting your truck run its engine for 15 minutes before driving to avoid overworking it. Allowing the oil, gas, and other fluids in your truck's engine to flow more freely will help prevent the individual engine parts from becoming overworked in the bitter cold.

Rain can also be a serious issue, causing you to lose visibility on the road. The same should be considered for blizzards and heavy fog. If you are aware of your limitations, we advise you to politely explain your predicament and wait out the turbulent weather for your safety and that of other motorists.

Don't Speed 

It does not matter if you will be late; the important thing is your safety, those around you, and whatever goods you carry in your truck. Speeding in turbulent weather will only get you so far if it causes you to have an accident. Slow down, and take it easy on the road.

If the Weather is Too Harsh, Stay in the Truck 

Unfortunately, sometimes extreme weather can inconvenience your driving schedule. Driving in cold temperatures can affect everything from your engine’s efficiency to vehicle operation itself. If you find yourself in a situation where it’s unsafe to operate your truck, stay in your vehicle for warmth and safety. It is always best to wait it out to see if conditions improve. 

Brake and Accelerate Lightly 

In addition to increasing your chance of collision, abruptly hitting the brakes or accelerator when driving puts a lot of unwanted strain and damage on your truck. You are not only decreasing the lifespan of your brake pads and your engine, but you are also using much more fuel than is necessary.

Add Extra Space on the Road

If you drive too close to the curb, the bumper of another vehicle, or the edge of the road, a collision is inevitable. Giving yourself room to travel on the road cautiously is the safest thing you can do when driving during a storm. Keep a safe distance from other motorists so they may keep a safe distance from you.

Practice Safe Truck Driving With Us!

In addition to the tips mentioned, we also recommend keeping a truck safety kit with you, in case of emergencies. 

If you want to know more and start your truck driving career, consider enrolling at Professional Transport Driver Training School. Call us at 204-925-1580 or complete our online contact form . You can find more information about our training programs by clicking here .