A major winter weather system will impact a large portion of the United States this week, bringing dangerously cold temperatures as well as significant snow and ice accumulation. Also, as we begin the week before Christmas, expect heavy travel on all our nation’s highways.

Be prepared:

• Properly treat your fuel to avoid gelling as temperatures drop.
• Be sure your truck has provisions such as food, water and winter clothing in case you find yourself stranded.
• Slow down and use your signals to let others know your intentions.
• Give those around your truck plenty of room.

Winter weather is beginning to impact portions of the US, particularly in higher elevations. Be extra cautious, and think through all activities before engaging.

1. Pay close attention to weather forecasts and highway condition reports.
2. Then, plan accordingly, avoiding situations that could leave you stranded.
3. Negotiate equipment steps, trailer decks, parking lots, etc., with care to prevent an injury-inducing slip or fall.

A winter storm is dumping large amounts of snow over portions of CO, KS and NE and will move east to impact IA, IL, WI and other states with snow and ice.  Also, expect heavy rain in areas of the Southeast as this system makes its way eastward.

• Adjust your driving to changing road conditions, leaving increased following distance and operating at a reduced speed.
• If road conditions become poor, then shut down until they improve.
• Listen to local weather reports, and plan your trip accordingly.

Much of the northeast is dealing with significant snowfall, with more predicted. Expect conditions to remain less than ideal for the next several days.

• If you’re traveling in this area, then plan your trip accordingly.
• Reduce speed, increase following distance, and be on guard for what other motorists may do.
• Always leave yourself an out — that’s the key to defensive driving.
• If road conditions become unsafe, shut down at a safe location until they improve.
• Be mindful of slippery conditions on your equipment, ever maintaining 3 points of contact as you climb on or off your tractor or trailer.
• Be careful when walking, as conditions may be slick.

When visibility is bad for you, it’s bad for other drivers as well. Turn on your headlights, because it’s as important to be seen as it is to see.

Signal well in advance whenever you’re going to stop or make a lane change, too. Sudden stops or lane changes may lead to a collision.

Proper trip planning must include checking the weather along your intended route.

• Make sure you’re aware of weather conditions before you depart for the day. Then check weather reports as often as you’re able throughout your trip.
• Keep an eye on outside air temperatures, watching for changing road conditions due to ice or snow.
• If conditions become treacherous, find a safe location and stop until they improve.

Knowing what to expect helps you take all the necessary precautions, leaving you better prepared for poor driving conditions.

When operating in fog, precipitation or other inclement weather, turn on your headlights to increase your truck’s visibility. Everyone on the road is safer when they can see each others’ vehicles.

Also, slow down to allow more stopping distance on wet and slippery surfaces. If conditions become too poor, stop at a safe location until the state of the roadway improves. Then you can safely continue your trip.

Happy New Year!

Winter weather is in full force in many parts of the nation, so be extra cautious.

• Pay close attention to weather forecasts and highway condition reports, then plan accordingly.
• Think through all activities before engaging.
• Avoid slip-and-fall injuries. Negotiate equipment steps, trailer decks, parking lots, etc., with care.
• Don’t let poor planning leave you stranded.