With the surge of the ever-changing, unpredictable weather patterns now occurring, even in atypical locations, it is important to know your rights to stay safe and to forego the urgency of delivering on time.
Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 392.14, Hazardous Conditions, Extreme Caution, states:
- “Extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, or smoke, adversely affect visibility or traction. Speed shall be reduced when such conditions exist”. Other hazardous weather conditions also include high winds, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding.
- “If conditions become sufficiently dangerous, the operation of the commercial motor vehicle shall be discontinued and shall not resume until the commercial motor vehicle can be safely operated”.
- “Whenever compliance with the foregoing provisions of this rule increases hazards to passengers, the commercial vehicle may be operated to the nearest point at which safety of passengers is assured”.
The Heated Side of Weather Patterns
Rain, Fog, Flooding, Hurricanes, High Winds, Tornadoes, Dust, and Wildfires
TIP # 1: When it comes to heat and wet conditions, ensure your tires are in good condition:
- Ensure your tires are adequately inflated to the recommended pressure
- In extreme heat conditions, check your tire pressure more frequently as the heat causes an increase in air pressure, which can lead to blowouts
- Maintain a DOT tread depth of 4/32 for steer tires and 2/32 for all other tires
- Use can use the quick “coin test” using a quarter for the steer tires; if you see Washington’s head, the tread is less than 4/32. For all other tires, use a penny; if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32
- During your routine inspection, check the tires for cuts, bulges, cracks, or any other damage
TIP # 2: A crucial step for drivers to avoid the above conditions is to be cognizant of current and approaching weather events that are taking place nationwide. Checking weather forecasts and road conditions before and during your trip is paramount to keeping you and your load safe. Top navigational apps to consider include:
- Drive Weather
- My Radar
- Waze
- Frontline Wildfire Defense
TIP # 3: Adjust your driving maneuvers. Rain, fog, hurricanes, dust, and wildfires can be debilitating and blinding:
- If you are in blinding conditions, with the help of your navigation system, pull over to the nearest point off the main road you are traveling, to where your safety can be assured, and cease operation of your vehicle. Always have an exit plan, constantly monitoring safe places you can pull over.
- Turn on your low-beam headlights and activate your hazard lights
- Slow your speed down significantly, and use the pavement markings as a guide
- Increase your following distance
- Use the right lane to position yourself for an exit and to minimize the risk of collision
The Cold and Additional Blinding Conditions
Fog, Mist, Sleet, Ice, and Snow
With the unpredictable climate patterns in the United States that have continued to escalate, snowfall and cold conditions leading to slippery roads have been sneaking up earlier than normal.
TIP # 1: While best defense practices include assessing the weather conditions along your route, slowing down, increasing or doubling your following distance, and pulling off to a safe place to wait out severe adverse weather conditions, winterizing your truck is the first step to ensure you are prepared to set out on the road:
- Check your tires’ condition and pressure levels. Safe winter driving begins with a good set of tires. The DOT requires that each of your steer tires meet a minimum of 4/32 of an inch. When new, tires are typically 12/32 of an inch. With black ice and snowy conditions, you can lose traction between your tires and the road, regardless of the weight of your tractor.
- Test your windshield wipers before conditions occur and install new wipers if necessary. Keep them clear of any ice or snow.
- Check and maintain fluid levels including engine oil, antifreeze, and wiper fluids.
- Regardless of winter weather conditions, always ensure your headlights, brake, tail, and signal lights are clean and free of any dirt, slush, or snow.
- Ensure your battery is in good condition, and do not leave your keys in accessory mode.
- Keep your fuel tank full.
- In the event of road delays, regardless of winter weather conditions, always have a flashlight, spare batteries, portable phone, charger, shovel and brush, flares, warm clothing, non-slip boots, extra blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, a first aid kit, and safety vest in your truck.
- While waiting during your fueling stops, brush snow off your windshield, wipers, and lights, and get under your fifth wheel and dolly to ensure connections are secure and free from ice and snow.
TIP # 2: Cold, Fall-season rainy weather can create sleet and slippery conditions just as much. The best way to know if roads are icy before heading out is to be aware of when, where, and how black ice forms. Prime time for the development of black ice is between sunset and sunrise. At temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, what you look for, and how you manage the roadway, is the key to preventing accidents. There are unique conditions to look for to predict potential black ice conditions, and safety measures you can take before you drive into it:
- If ice has formed on the outside edge of your mirrors, roads may be icy
- You will see very little, if any, water spray coming from your tires or from the vehicles around you
- If the pavement is dry, but you are seeing spots that are dark and glossy, it will most likely be ice
- Take caution on bridges, overpasses, and tunnels that are especially at risk for icy conditions
If you see the traffic ahead is getting heavy or slowing down, downshift, and take the following precautions:
- Turn on your emergency flashers to slow down and to warn those behind you
- Break apart from the pack, giving your truck distance and time to stop
- If your treads in packed snow are black, your tires may be too hot, and you may be driving too fast for conditions. Slow down to gain more traction
- Do not hit the brakes hard if you feel you are sliding. Stay calm, maintain your lane, and hold the wheel steady in the direction you want to travel