It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Skid Marks: Driving Big Rigs in Ice and Snow

As November gives way to December, many of our readers will begin to face tough winter driving conditions. Because accidents are more likely to occur under such conditions, it's always a good idea for drivers of big rigs and heavy equipment to review safety protocols and ensure that they're current on winter driving protocols.

Physical Preparation

Your first step is to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions. Not all steps will apply for every vehicle, of course, but systems such as fluids, brakes, and tires should be checked and winterized accordingly. In addition, drivers should stock up on any winter supplies they might need: jumper cables, blankets, high-calorie (non-perishable) snacks, flashlights, road flares, and other items that would be helpful if the driver became stranded in his vehicle during a storm.

Mental Preparation

Before operating any vehicle in winter conditions, the driver must undergo a mental shift to influence instinctive driving habits: cruise control must be abandoned, driving distances must be increased between vehicles, and the way that drivers use brakes must shift in order to keep from skidding out on ice. (For more information on proper defensive driving in icy weather, please consult AAA's "How to Go in Ice and Snow.")

Although these guidelines hold true for any types of vehicles, the drivers of big rigs and heavy equipment must take even more care. Their sheer size and mass can easily lead to large-scale catastrophe if caution is not exercised.

Are there any tips that we missed? Do you have a harrowing winter driving story to share? Feel free to sound off in the comment section.

If you're in the market for heavy equipment tires, don't forget to check out our full line. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns that you might have.

Image credit: "Hwy 11 Ontario Winter" by P199 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons

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