newbie winter driving - tips...need some

Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 12-21-2007, 11:06 PM
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: All 48
Posts: 72
Default newbie winter driving - tips...need some

hey folks, i'm a newbie doing winter driving for the first time. i run western region so it's the real deal. i've had some close calls through montana, colorado...

could u guys give me some tips to keep it right side up and on the road.....

so far i noticed you have to take it easy on the brake and easy on the throttle.

anything will help...thanks

someone mentioned the 4th of july in another post...where is it?
 
  #2  
Old 12-22-2007, 02:27 AM
Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Longview, Washington
Posts: 146
Default

...Keep the 5th wheel freshly greased.
 
__________________
Bad weather gets bad drivers off the road...one way or another!
Fourcats
  #3  
Old 12-22-2007, 02:44 PM
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Posts: 522
Default

Don't overdrive your experience and don't ever let anyone push you to go faster than than you are comfortable. Do however, pull over where possible and let the super truckers by.

One thing I've noticed since I started trucking this area, is people also go to slow. Seems to be why people spin out the most. I got stuck behind someone spun out on day and had to chain because he didn't take a run at the hill.
We were running on glare ice though, I think most state side runners shut it down when the road is like that so maybe not an issue for you.

Slow for your corners and power out of them 1/2 way to 2/3 way through. If you start to drift in a corner don't get on the brakes, you're gonna go down that way. Get into the throttle a bit. Situation permitting.

Pretty basic but make sure you have good winter wipers and good tires.
 
__________________
The Alaska Highway is my playground!
  #4  
Old 12-22-2007, 03:13 PM
Rookie
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Shoreview, Mn
Posts: 27
Default

If you have the need to pass someone, lay back and wait until you have a good spot and the time to get around them safely ,flat, straight, less drifted or whatever. Also road conditions can change very fast , talk to other drivers to get an idea of how the roads are, so you can have a better idea on what actions you need to take to keep safe. And because you see "road-spray" coming off other vehicles does not the roads are just wet, that water could be laying on ice. Drove in this morning and in 197 miles I was in white out, snow packed, bone dry, glare ice, and slush in that order. Keep Safe
 
  #5  
Old 12-22-2007, 10:12 PM
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: All 48
Posts: 72
Default

thanks, that all helps. much appreciated.
 
  #6  
Old 12-25-2007, 02:47 AM
Rookie
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 34
Default

just take your time dont let anyone rush you. screw them you only have 1 life.

keep your distance.
 
  #7  
Old 12-25-2007, 03:12 AM
carlos64030's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 160
Default

Most importantly, leave plenty of space between you and motorists in front of you. If you have to get on the brakes in an emergency situation, pay close attention to your trailer.... it won't take much for it to come around on ya if you're on the brakes too hard.
 
  #8  
Old 12-25-2007, 08:13 AM
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Dancing with the bright Pixies at University of Edinburgh
Posts: 2,575
Default

Always carry at least 5litres of screen wash. Approaching headlights on a country road could spell disaster if you get a bad glare from them. Sounds obvious but loads of drivers never seem to carry jack-shit in their trucks...."You got jump leads mate?"...."Help me out mate, have you got...this that the other"....Common sense will see you alright. Just think
 
__________________


Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
  #9  
Old 12-25-2007, 10:18 AM
ohiomohawk's Avatar
Board Regular
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NOT TELLING....but it is in the same state that the Ohio State Buckeyes play!!
Posts: 338
Default

Try to pretend you have egg shells on gas and brake pedal and you dont want to break them!! It is a little extreme but you get the picture.


Even though the highways may be ok watch those entrance and exit ramps because the salt trucks can't get to them until later.
 
  #10  
Old 12-25-2007, 04:37 PM
Windwalker's Avatar
Board Icon
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Been there and gone...
Posts: 6,412
Default Re: newbie winter driving - tips...need some

Originally Posted by Zen Road Warrior
hey folks, i'm a newbie doing winter driving for the first time. i run western region so it's the real deal. i've had some close calls through montana, colorado...

could u guys give me some tips to keep it right side up and on the road.....

so far i noticed you have to take it easy on the brake and easy on the throttle.

anything will help...thanks

someone mentioned the 4th of july in another post...where is it?
Look up MY posts. Some time ago, I did start a thread about driving in bad weather. (Haven't looked for it myself, yet.) Mine were the major contributions to the thread, but others joined in.
 
__________________
( R E T I R E D , and glad of it)
YES ! ! ! There is life after trucking.
a GOOD life




Reply Subscribe

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



All times are GMT. The time now is 02:26 PM.

Top