Be careful when parking while on home time.

• If parking in a truck stop or other congested parking location, park where you’re least likely to be hit by another vehicle.
  1. Choose a parking location for the sake of safety rather than convenience.
  2. Park as far away from the high traffic/ travel area as possible.
  3. Never park on an end row.
• If transporting an OD load, place orange safety cones around its perimeter to emphasize your location to others.
• If parking at or near your home, try to park in a well-lit area.

A very dangerous cold front will move across large portions of the United States this week. Diesel fuel is susceptible to gelling in the forecast conditions, causing engine shutdown due to fuel starvation. A driver stranded away from services can find themself in a hazardous situation.

To reduce the likelihood of fuel gelling, we recommend you

• Double treat your fuel with anti-gelling fuel treatment if the air temperature is below 0 degrees F.
• Idle the truck at 20 degrees or below and set the truck to run at 1,000 rpm while idling.
• If you have any questions, contact the maintenance department.

In addition, forecasts predict the cold front will bring significant snowfall, freezing rain and sleet. Be extra cautious.

1. Pay close attention to weather forecasts and highway condition reports, then plan accordingly.
2. Think through activities before engaging.
3. Should road conditions become poor, shut down until they improve.
4. To prevent slip-and-fall injuries, negotiate equipment steps, trailer decks, parking lots, etc., with care.
5. Don’t get caught stranded due to poor planning.

With 2021 coming to a close, many folks will be traveling and celebrating the nearing new year.

• As a defensive driver, always be aware of your surroundings, the weather and traffic flow.
• Be watchful for inattentive drivers, and give plenty of room to those around your vehicle.
• Leave lots of following distance.

We at Lone Star Transportation wish everyone a safe and happy 2022!

It’s the time of year for fall planting and fieldwork.

Be watchful for slow-moving ag equipment, particularly on secondary roadways. Equipment may be moving both before and after sunrise/sunset, too.

When operating in a construction zone, merge early and safely when you have to change lanes — especially if your lane is closing.

• Move into the open lane at your first safe opportunity.
• Watch your “blind spots,” as other vehicles may speed up to get in front of you.

This upcoming Memorial Day weekend is the first major holiday since the pandemic loosened its grip on the nation.

Expect traffic to increase late Thursday, with very high volumes Friday through next Monday.

Keep your eyes focused on the forward scene, ever prepared to react safely. Keep your vehicle under control, and always leave yourself an out. In other words,

• Allow plenty of room between you and others.
• Signal your intentions well before you make a turn or lane change.
• Keep track of traffic around your vehicle, being mindful of your blind spots.
• Expect unexpected actions — and delays — and inattentive motorists!

A severe winter storm is impacting the entire nation and will last throughout the week.

Be prepared for hazards created by snow and ice-covered roads, significantly reduced visibility and single-digit temperatures — or below.

Such extreme conditions are life-threatening for an unprepared driver.

So, follow these important tips:

1. Stay visible. Keep your lights on and windows and mirrors free of ice.
2. Drive at a safe speed for conditions.
3. Treat your fuel with antigel, too.
4. Make sure you have food and water onboard your truck as well.
5. Check that all of your axles are rolling. Use your mirrors to detect frozen brakes.
6. Double your normal following distance.
7. Dress warmly when loading or unloading.
8. Monitor the weather along your route.
9. Avoid driving into unplowed parking lots or customer yards.

Twenty-six states now are under a severe winter storm advisory. Expect an especially hard hit to the Midwest and Northeast over the next few days. Be prepared.

Snow and ice-covered roads, together with reduced visibility, will create hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, a major arctic cold front is moving south into the United States. So, be ready for single-digit temperatures with a wind chill well below zero degrees.

Here are some helpful tips:

1. Be visible. Keep your lights on and your windows and mirrors free of ice.
2. Drive at a safe speed for conditions.
3. Treat your fuel with antigel.
4. Make sure you have food and water on board your truck.
5. Make sure all of your axles are rolling. Use your mirrors to detect frozen brakes.
6. Double your normal following distance.
7. Dress warmly when loading or unloading.
8. Monitor the weather along your route.
9. Avoid driving into unplowed parking lots or customer yards.