Monday, April 6, 2009

Poor Road Conditions and Truck Insurance

By Steve Turner

Being conscious of the weather conditions along the route that you will be traveling is a good way to save time and to also prevent having to use any coverage from your truck insurance policy. Most commercial truck drivers have driven any various kinds of poor weather during their careers. Knowing how these bad weather conditions will affect the streets that they are driving on and then how to react to these bad conditions is very crucial for the truck driver's safety as well as the safety of other drivers on the road.

Be alert to the weather you will be seeing along the route you are taking. Have ready an alternate route to take just in case conditions get too hazardous. Keep up with weather updates through the radio or CB by talking with other drivers.

Hydroplaning is a probability if you are driving in rainy conditions. Even small amounts of water collecting on the road will be enough for your tires to possibly loose traction. Try driving in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you.

If you come across a flooded roadway do not attempt to drive through it. Even though trucks have heavy weight that will allow them to better handle the deep waters, the momentum of the flood could pull the trailer off course or even cause the rig to overturn.

If you see fog ahead on the road, slow down before you enter it. Be on the look out for slow moving or stopped vehicles, and be prepared to stop quickly. If the fog is too heavy and visibility to poor pull of the road as far to the right as possible and wait until the fog lifts to continue.

When traveling through snow or a blizzard be consious on any bridges or overpasses because they will freeze first. Keep a slow and steady pace and be cautious when using your brakes. The area that you will need to stop in icy conditions will be three to twelve times greater than normal, so maintain plenty of space between you and the next driver.

During a thunderstorm stay in your truck because this is the safest place to be. Park in an area that is away from tall trees and power lines.

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