Your drivers have been driving through snow, sleet, and freezing rain for the past few months now. It’s often been said that the first snow breaks in drivers to remind them how to handle vehicles in wintry conditions. It is equally important to remember that when things start to melt, there is a new set of problems to deal with.
Drivers should consciously note that they are no longer operating vehicles on snow-covered roads. Wet pavement, from even the lightest of spring rains, has its own set of challenges.
Getting your driver, vehicle, and cargo to its final destination safely, in tact, and on time is obviously your ultimate goal. Here are a few spring driving tips to accomplish this:
Use caution. During extreme dry spells, engine oil and grease build up on roadways. Intersections may have the most build-up because vehicles stop and start frequently. The first few hours of a rainfall often are the most dangerous as water mixes with the residue, creating a slippery (and dangerous) combination. Continued rainfall will eventually wash the oil and grease away.
Beware of what lurks in the shadows. During the time when the temperatures are changing, danger often lies in those areas of the road that have not been exposed to sun all day. Keep in mind that as you round the corner, enter a tunnel, or go under a crossover, those shaded areas can still be ice covered. More importantly, just because they look wet does not mean they are not frozen. These areas are prone to black ice and hitting them too fast or unaware could cause you to lose control immediately.
Have a cushion of time. Everyone knows that the 14-hour clock is ticking; however, during rainy conditions or times when the temperature is fluctuating around that freezing mark, slower speeds should be exercised. Even if your driver doesn’t want to reduce his or her speed, traffic and flooded roadways may force him or her to.
Watch for deep standing puddles. Since most roads have a crown in the middle, the rain will run off to the sides. A middle-of-the-road approach will keep your drivers out of trouble. And once again, beware of the temperature. Those supposed puddles could in fact be patches of ice.
Use common sense. Remember to allow extra space in front of you, turn on your lights even in light rain, and if need be, move into the left lane. Some people tend to stop right in the lane of traffic when a downpour hits. This usually happens in the right lane. Also, if visibility is poor, the yellow line on the inside shoulder is usually easier to see than the white line on the outside shoulder. Of course if it gets too bad, find the first exit you can and get off the highway until conditions improve.
Watch curves and corners. Going around curves and corners during rainy weather will offer the greatest opportunity for going into a skid. Control your braking before you enter the curve or corner and take it slow. Remember to stop using the brake as you enter the curve or corner.
Avoid using the brakes. Take your foot off of the accelerator rather than using the brakes during wet road conditions. Increase your following distance so that you can maintain a steady pace without encroaching on the vehicle in front of you. When your brakes become wet, test them by tapping them lightly. Make sure they are pulling on all wheels evenly before building up speed.
Prepare your vehicle. Remember to check your wipers, tires, lights, and washer fluid before starting your trip. All of these are important tools to negotiating wet roads safely.
Be alert to hydroplaning. If you hydroplane, you could spin into a skid since your truck is “water skiing” so to speak. Remove power from the driver tires (take your foot off the accelerator), don’t touch your brakes unless you absolutely have to, and keep the steering straight until your wheels regain traction.
Change lanes minimally. Changing lanes involves visibility and control issues even on the clearest of days. When it rains, drivers should only change lanes as absolutely necessary to reduce risks. Make sure you check all your mirrors first and signal your intentions well ahead of moving into the next lane.
Night driving during rain and fog has its own set of challenges including glare of oncoming lights (temporary loss of visibility) that can increase driver fatigue. Driving in these conditions requires even more attention to your surroundings, possibly driving slower, and knowing when it is time to stop and take a break.
Last, it is important to remember that during this time of year, roads buckle, shift, and deteriorate. Be aware of road restrictions due to vehicle weight and spring thaw conditions. If you get on a side road (off the interstate), be sure that you are allowed to be on that road based on your weight and spring road restrictions. If you’re not sure, it’s better to stop and call someone than to continue until you get fine or stuck in an area that you should not be in.
