Cold Winter Arrives - Essential Safety Guidelines For Truck Drivers In Severe Weather

As the cold winter sets in, temperatures across many parts of the country continue to plummet, with frequent occurrences of extreme weather such as heavy fog, ice, and snow. These conditions lead to significantly reduced road visibility and slippery surfaces, posing severe challenges to the driving safety of truck drivers. In such weather, vehicle braking performance is easily affected, and improper operation may result in traffic accidents such as rear-end collisions and skidding. To ensure the travel safety of truck drivers, we have compiled essential safety guidelines for driving in heavy fog, rain, and snow, providing professional references for industry practitioners:

I. Comprehensive Pre-Driving Safety Checks

• Focus on checking the levels of engine oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid. Simultaneously, inspect the tightness of oil pipes, the sensitivity of the braking system, and the connection status of power lines to ensure all core indicators meet driving standards.

• Carefully verify tire pressure and ground adhesion. If tires are severely worn, have insufficient tread depth, or poor adhesion, replace them promptly to avoid slipping risks.

• Test the air output of the heating system, check for abnormal noises during fan operation, and ensure air ducts are unobstructed. Confirm that fog lights, high-mount brake lights, and other safety lights are functioning properly, and that windshield wipers are not aged or ineffective.

• Inventory essential on-board accessories such as fire extinguishers and toolkits to ensure they are fully equipped and usable.

II. Strict Operational Standards During Driving

• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: In heavy fog, rain, or snow, visibility is drastically reduced, and slippery roads extend braking distances and increase skidding risks. During driving, frequently sound the horn to warn surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, strictly control vehicle speed, and maintain a safe following distance 2-3 times longer than usual.

• Correct Use of Lights: Timely turn on fog lights or rear fog signals to improve vehicle visibility. Never use high beams, as strong light reflected by fog can blur vision and cause traffic accidents. Respond promptly with a horn when hearing oncoming vehicles.

• Avoid Emergency Braking: Low temperatures easily cause thin frost on roads, further reducing surface adhesion. Before driving on potentially frosty sections, decelerate in advance, and follow the ruts of the vehicle ahead as much as possible. Do not slam on the brakes to prevent vehicle skidding and loss of control.

• Smooth Start-Up: On slippery rainy or snowy roads, preheat the vehicle before starting. Gently press the accelerator to maintain a steady engine speed, and start slowly using inertia. Never slam the accelerator, as this not only avoids wheel slipping but also reduces engine wear.

• Steady Driving & No Reckless Overtaking: Maintain a stable speed during driving with gentle operations. Avoid sudden acceleration, deceleration, or sharp steering, and use gradual braking when stopping. Do not overtake unless necessary. When overtaking is required, select wide, flat, and snow/ice-free safe sections, and ensure no oncoming traffic before proceeding.

• Safe Turning: Decelerate in advance before turning, hold the steering wheel steadily for slow turning, and appropriately increase the turning radius. Avoid sharp steering to prevent collisions caused by excessive centrifugal force.

• Standardized Parking: Prioritize parking in areas with no or minimal rain/snow, and pull the handbrake firmly after parking. If parking on icy or snowy roads, choose sunny, wind-protected, and flat locations, away from buildings, trees, and other areas prone to falling objects. For long-term parking, start the engine periodically to preheat and prevent antifreeze from freezing, which may affect vehicle startup.

• Timely Removal of Glass Fog: Large temperature differences between the inside and outside of the vehicle in winter easily cause fog condensation on glass, affecting visibility. Turn on the heating system and direct the air flow to the front windshield, or use windshield wipers to assist in removing fog. Ensure clear visibility before continuing to drive.

• Rational Use of Snow Chains: When roads are icy, promptly install snow chains on tires to enhance ground adhesion, effectively reduce slipping risks, and ensure driving safety.

Safety is paramount, and responsibility weighs heavily. Under severe winter weather conditions, truck drivers must always prioritize safety, strictly adhere to the above safety guidelines, and conduct thorough vehicle inspections and protective measures. This not only safeguards their own safety but also contributes to road traffic safety.