Winter Safety for Drivers and Trucks

It’s never too soon to begin planning and thinking about the coming colder months.

Winter is coming and being prepared is the best thing you can do to keep drivers and equipment safe. Here are some reminders for winter safety for you, your drivers and your trucks.

DRIVER SAFETY

Carry a fully stocked winter driving kit: Getting stuck either from an incident you are involved in, or just in congestion and stand-still traffic from another incident down the road is no fun so it’s good to have provisions on hand for emergencies. Include a blanket, water & snacks, hand warmers, warm hat & gloves, flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel & ice pick, and sand or cat litter in your winter safety kit.

Increase following distance: Road conditions and visibility tend to be bad during winter storms, so be sure you allow added reaction time.
Slow down: Again, poor road conditions require more time to slow and stop a big rig.
Be cautious on bridges: While the roads may be wet, remember that bridges can ice up quickly.
Watch tire spray: This is a good indicator to road surfaces. If there is a lot of wet spray from other vehicles, the road is likely to be mostly wet. If there is little to no wet spray from other vehicles, it is a sign the road surfaces are starting to freeze and ice up.
Use slow braking and pumping of brakes: It takes a lot to stop a large commercial truck, so give it the time and attention it deserves. And don’t use a jake brake during poor winter road conditions.
When in doubt – pull over: If conditions deteriorate and you feel unsafe, its more important to pull over and wait out the worst of it. Your safety and the safety of your drivers is always more important that a delivery.

TRUCK SAFETY

Keep it clean: Salt and chemical road treatments can significantly speed up oxidation and rust. Be sure to wash your truck at least every other week during winter months, paying special attention to wheels and under-chassis. Special hint – wax your truck before winter to protect your paint and any exposed metals longer.

Clear the snow: Built up snow is a big no-no for winter safety. Before every trip, be sure to clear the snow from the tops of trucks and trailers. Flying “ice” is extremely dangerous.
Have snow chains available: Inspect your tire chains now to ensure they are in good condition, and replace them if needed.
Check tire pressure daily: Cold weather reduces air pressure. This can impact not just your tread life and fuel economy, but your safety when it comes to road grip and response times.
Change wiper blades often: Clear vision is vital in inclement weather, and fresh blades, along with adequate supply of wiper fluid can help you see the road, and other vehicles or obstacles, clearly.
Check your lights: Lighting everywhere – front, sides and back – is vital to identifying yourself on the road. With longer dark hours and low visibility that comes along with poor weather conditions, make sure you are seen, and that you can illuminate the road ahead. Make sure they are operating and are clean and clear of snow.

Do your part. By prepping your vehicles and educating your drivers, we can all keep winter safety top of mind. If you find you need winter parts such as chemicals or suppliers, winter service, or tires and tire accessories, Bergey’s is here to keep you moving safely down the road this winter. Go ahead Mother Nature – we’re ready.

Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck

Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck

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Winter Safety for Drivers and Trucks

It’s never too soon to begin planning and thinking about the coming colder months.

DRIVER SAFETY

TRUCK SAFETY

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