Stay Alert: How to Avoid Wildlife Collisions on the Road
One of the most unpredictable hazards that drivers may encounter is wildlife. Deer, elk, and other animals can appear suddenly, especially in rural areas or during times with less light.
Coaching Corner
My Top Four Winter Driving Tips
Winter conditions are tricky for every driver. You must constantly analyze and adjust to changing conditions. By “conditions” I mean more than just the weather.
By Mike Hitchcock, ICSA Safety Consultant
For example, consider the condition of your tires, inflation, load weight and weight distribution. These all affect the way you must drive.
I always caution senior drivers to fight complacency. Just because you have never been in a winter accident does NOT mean you will never be in one. The speed you feel safe at may only be a coincidence. So here are my top winter driving tips:
- The key to avoiding a winter accident is having enough TIME to react. This is accomplished by maintaining the proper speed and space. Slow down and back off! Don’t get overconfident.
- Keep your 5th wheel greased so you can turn easily in slippery conditions. This will reduce the chance of a jackknife.
- Know the weather ahead of you and have several contingency plans for places to stop and wait out the storm if needed. Keep extra food and blankets onboard.
- Don’t be afraid to put on one or two chains even when they aren’t required. Traction helps avoid crashes.
You will learn many other tips as you gain experience driving in winter conditions, but these are my top four. Use your head and take your time. You should be a little nervous and up on the wheel. A professional driver is a cautious driver. Get there safe even if you’re not first.
ICSA is There: Updates from the CVSA and ATA Conferences
Over the last month, ICSA representatives attended the annual conferences for both the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Here’s the latest news that you need to know.
Unauthorized CDL-holder Causes Massive Pileup
The crash involved a 21-year-old truck driver who slammed into the back of an SUV and caused a chain-reaction crash involving seven other vehicles, including two other semis, near Ontario, California last week.