All Chemical's Tried and True Tactics for Winter Driving

No matter the season, we put safety first in everything we do. Our highly trained drivers are familiar with the hazards each season presents, and winter requires unique forms of vigilance and preparation.

Ensuring safety on the road during winter, especially when sharing the highways with large trucks, is of paramount importance. The colder months bring challenging weather conditions, including snow, ice, and reduced visibility, creating a hazardous environment for all drivers. Fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding on the road ensures a safer and more secure winter driving experience for everyone, promoting a shared responsibility for road safety.

For the non-truckers among us, we want to take a moment to share the skills, considerations, and tips we regularly practice that make for safe winter driving. Adhering to a few key safety measures can drastically reduce the risks and make your journey a much safer one—and that’s a goal we all share!

Winter Driving Preparedness

When preparing for a winter trip, whether short or long, there are a few questions it is wise to ask before setting out.

“Have I allowed enough time for the journey?”

This means planning ahead and considering the weather reports, which can change rapidly and become unpredictable, especially in winter. Maybe it’s mild and drizzling at home, but at your final stop, there’s been a hard freeze, making the journey more hazardous than anticipated. When in doubt, give yourself more time than you think you’ll need to reach your destination safely.

“Is my vehicle ready for winter conditions?”

Sure, you might be ready to head to your destination, but is your car ready? This might mean a stop at your local mechanic to equip your car with winter-ready tires and adequate levels of antifreeze. Keep your fuel tank full rather than letting it run low; gasoline doesn’t freeze as readily as water, so having a full tank will help prevent your fuel lines from freezing. Check your battery, brakes, and fluid levels before embarking on any long or arduous trips. Packing some extra snacks, batteries, and a flashlight—and wearing a good winter coat!—could prove to be a lifesaver in case of emergencies.

“Do I really need to make this trip?”

While it might be tempting to brave the winter conditions so you can make a social event, evaluate the importance of your journey. If it’s not necessary, consider postponing it or staying in. Your safety, and the safety of all the others on the

road with you, comes before any social commitments.

What to Watch For

Once you’ve set out, keep these considerations in mind to ensure a safe journey for you and your loved ones.

• During bad weather conditions, don’t keep going at all costs. It’s always better to stop at a safe spot and wait for the weather to clear. Our experienced drivers know to pull off into the nearest truck stop and wait for better weather rather than trying to push through, and you should, too.
• Keep a lookout for snowplows. They are essential for keeping the roads passable during winter, so when you encounter one, give it plenty of room to work. Whenever possible, keep your distance; not only do they need space to work effectively, but also, the snow cloud they create can often reduce visibility temporarily.
• Be mindful of black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses, which freeze first. Black ice is difficult to see but extremely slippery, so staying observant and slowing down can help avoid unwanted incidents.
• Be conscious that you are sharing the road with other vehicles. Remain alert and aware that trucks are much heavier, and applying the brakes will take longer than cars. When traveling in close proximity to a truck, avoid hard braking or cutting in front of them.

 

 

As leaders in safety-conscious driving for the bulk liquid transportation industry, we here at All Chemical are wishing everyone a safe and warm winter season.

Let’s continue to prioritize safety for ourselves and those around us.