It takes plenty of training and experience for big rig truckers to feel comfortable behind the wheel. However, even the most experienced drivers can recognize the challenges of winter weather. If you’re hoping to avoid the need for big rig towing, use these driving tips to stay safe.

3 Winter Driving Tips for Big Rig Truckers

1. Go Slow

During the winter, speeding is especially dangerous since it’s much easier for truck tires to lose their grip on the hard, icy pavement. If possible, try to stay at least a few miles per hour below the speed limit. If the weather is poor, look at the tire spray from the vehicles around you—if it becomes slushy or stops altogether, it likely means the roads are freezing up. In this case, you’ll want to lower your speed by another five miles an hour to prevent skidding.

2. Keep Your Distance

Big rigs have many blind spots, and winter weather can increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, you want to keep as much distance as possible between your vehicle and those around you. Avoid other big rigs on the road, as it’s easy for these large trucks to clump together, concealing the smaller vehicles around them. If it’s snowing or raining, slow down until you can no longer see the taillights in front of you. 

3. Improve Your Visibility

In winter weather, your greatest assets will be your headlights and windshield wipers. If your headlights don’t automatically turn on, leave yourself a small reminder on the dashboard. Before you head out on the road for a long drive, top off your windshield wiper fluid.

If your wipers make a funny noise or move irregularly, have them inspected right away. It’s also important to clean your mirrors before you head out, as they may have become covered in snow or ice. 

If winter weather manages to get the best of your truck, you can always count on Buckeye Riverside Towing for roadside assistance. This Cincinnati, OH, team specializes in big rig towing, so they have the equipment necessary to pull your large truck to safety. With their 24-hour emergency services, they are more than capable of accommodating a trucker’s irregular schedule. To learn more about their powerful services, visit the website or call (513) 244-7200 for reliable big rig towing whenever the need arises.