Believe it or not, it is that time of year already! Although there have already been some parts of the country where the snowfall has already presented itself: yes, we are looking at you, Colorado. However, I would like to take a moment and talk about a few safety tips in preparing for the winter as well as driving in the snow.
Preparing for the winter:
- Inspect your truck:
- Getting your truck prepared for winter is essential to prevent any major problems. Check the following and never hesitate to contact Johnson Equipment for a full inspection:
- Tire pressure
- Engine oil
- Antifreeze levels
- Chains
- Getting your truck prepared for winter is essential to prevent any major problems. Check the following and never hesitate to contact Johnson Equipment for a full inspection:
- Be Prepared
- Carry warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlight, shovel, matches, and traction devices with you in case there is an emergency and you have to pull over.
Driving in the snow:
- Slow Down
- Generally, your speed should always be a safety factor when you drive, however, most accidents in the winter occur because drivers do not adjust their speed according to the road conditions.
- Give yourself some extra space
- The stopping distance on a wet road is twice the normal stopping distance. On icy roads, that increases to 10 times! So leave plenty of space between your truck and the vehicle in front of you so that you have enough space to move out of harm’s way in case of unpredictable situations.
- Stay Smooth
- In cold weather, try hard to refrain from doing anything sudden: sudden braking, sudden acceleration, cornering, etc. If the situation demands you to slow down suddenly on a slick road, pump your breaks lightly.
- Pay attention to the tire spray
- A good way to assess the road condition is to observe the water coming off the tires of vehicles around you. If the tire spray is relatively less, it means that the roadway has started to freeze and you need to exercise additional caution.
When in doubt, find a safe way to get off the roadway and call your DA. Yes, we strive for on-time delivery. But never at the cost of putting anyone in danger. Always call your DA if you feel the road conditions are questionable to drive safely on. We appreciate everything your drivers do and my brothers and I thank you deeply for your continued dedication and determination for not only this company but to keep America moving.
