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?

 

...Keep the 5th wheel freshly greased.

 

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.

 

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

 

thanks, that all helps. much appreciated.

 

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

keep your distance.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.