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Welcome to winter! It has been unseasonably warm, and most of us are having a warm Christmas season. However, as most of our professional drivers know…this is the time of year when bad weather and road hazards increase.  Our drivers do everything in their power to prevent accidents.

Snow on chemical tanker

If you think tanker truck driving simply means driving safely and doing your job, then think again. Drivers must be able to anticipate problems and react appropriately.

Highway Transport tanker trailer snow scene

Chemical tanker drivers must have a safety-conscious mindset and be proactive when it comes to preventing accidents. Safety at Highway Transport has more to do with our company culture. It is more about each driver’s attitude and approach. Drivers have a deep sense of the importance of safe actions. Highway Transport Chemical drivers use their driving skills and plan ahead for challenging situations. Our drivers have a high success rate when it comes to preventing weather-related accidents:

Tanker Truck Driving in Winter
Reduce your speed
Increase your following distance
Plan ahead when conditions worsen
Reduce your chances of having a weather-related accident:
Make sure your emergency equipment is on board, including items that would help in a weather-related situation.
Conduct a careful pre-trip inspection to confirm that your tractor-trailer is in good operating condition
Be aware of changing weather conditions and reduce your speed.
Never drive faster than you can see to react to sudden hazards, such as ice, dense fog or drifting snow.
Use lights during times of reduced visibility
Increase following distance
Pull off the road to a safe location if conditions make the road impassable
Use 4-way flashers where appropriate
Avoid braking excessively on slippery roads
Contact your driver manager. According to company policy, if weather conditions interfere with scheduling, alternate plans may be considered.

tanker trailer with snow

Running Empty or Bobtailing:
Wheels may lock up more easily during braking. This could lead to jackknife.

Other Road Hazards:
Normal or “usual” road hazards become more threatening when weather is bad. Use extra caution on bridges, railroad crossings, exit ramps, underpasses, construction zones, blind intersections.
Highway Transport tanker truck winter night

Ask Yourself…
Does my pre-trip inspection cover those items I will rely on if the weather gets bad?
Do I use a reasonable amount of caution in adverse weather?
Do I realize how my unsafe actions may affect others?
Have I considered how much an accident could cost my company?
How much downtime and loss of income will happen if I am involved in an accident?
How would an accident affect my family, my coworkers, and me?
How much/little time does it take to slow down and use extra caution?

Experience Teaches Us…
Poor judgement, unpreparedness, and impatience contribute to weather-related accidents.  Taking extra time and care during bad weather can save a lot of frustration, pain, and costly downtime.

Drivers who have been involved in accidents during bad weather regret not taking the few extra steps necessary to avoid an accident.

Winter Highway Transport Tanker Truck Scene

Are you an experienced professional tanker driver?…

Consider driving for Highway Transport Chemical.  Professional tanker drivers are urgently needed in Croydon, PA and Joliet, IL.

Discover more possibilities…we’re stoked to be expanding to these new locations:

Cincinnati, OH

Pittsburgh, PA

Send your information online at Drive4Highway.com or call 1-800-800-5856!

Winter at Highway Transport in Croydon PA

 

 

 

Safety Focused. Quality Driven.

 

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