As the chill of winter sets in, truckers face some of their toughest challenges on the road; even here across the Mid-South. From icy surfaces to decreased visibility, winter driving demands extra caution and preparation. At Cooper Freight, we prioritize the safety of our drivers with comprehensive training and resources tailored for winter conditions.

Understanding Winter Hazards:

Winter roads can be treacherous. Common challenges include snow, ice, slush, and frigid temperatures. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 17% of all vehicle crashes occur under winter conditions, underscoring the need for specialized driving strategies.

Winter Driving Best Practices:

  1. Reduce Speed: Traction is significantly reduced in icy conditions. Slowing down helps maintain control and gives you more time to react to unforeseen hazards.
  2. Increase Following Distance: It’s advisable to increase your following distance to eight to ten seconds to ensure you have ample space to stop safely without risking a collision.
  3. Brake and Accelerate Carefully: To prevent skids, apply brakes and accelerator slowly and smoothly.
  4. Stay Alert: Focus is key, especially near ramps, bridges, and overpasses which freeze first.

 

Vehicle Preparation: Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is ready for the winter:

  • Check your battery, as cold weather can reduce its power.
  • Use winter-grade lubricants.
  • Ensure your radiator has the right level of winter coolant to avoid freezing.
  • Verify that lights, heaters, defrosters, and wipers are operational to combat frost and fog.

Equip for Emergencies: A well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Include items like:

  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Warm clothing and blankets
  • Non-perishable food and water
  • First-aid kit
  • Necessary tools and warning devices (flares, reflectors)

By adopting these safety measures and continuously enhancing our training protocols, Cooper Freight remains committed to ensuring that our drivers can navigate winter safely. Remember, preparedness is key to safe winter driving, and at Cooper Freight, we navigate these challenges together.

Stay safe and stay prepared this winter season.