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Truck and Track
Winter 2018
www.truckandtrack.com50
WINTER DRIVING ADVICE
Drive safely this Winter - Advice from
the Freight Transport Association
HGV driving safety tips for snow& ice
Here’s some advice for driving in snowand icy conditions.
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Allowmore time for your journey
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Obtain weather information before you set off and keep up to
date with changing conditions and closed routes via the radio or
by regularly calling into base
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In snowy or freezing conditions, carry in the cab: a shovel; a
coupleof strong sacks (toput under thedrivewheels if the vehicle
becomes stuck); warm clothes and a blanket; a torch, food and a
warm drink in a flask; a road atlas; a mobile phone and charger;
and sunglasses (the glare from snow can be dazzling)
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Ensure the whole of your vehicle (especially your windscreen
and mirrors) is cleared of ice and snow before attempting to
move off
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Lower your speed and keep a good distance fromother vehicles –
allow ten times the normal stopping distances on icy roads
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Allow for the fact other drivers may get into difficulties
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All braking must be gentle and over much longer distances,
especially when driving articulated vehicles or those with a
trailer attached
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Avoid any sudden braking, steering or acceleration
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Falling snow can reduce visibility dramatically, use dipped
headlights and reduce your speed
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Road markings and traffic signs can be obscured by snow. Take
extra care at junctions
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In prolonged periods of snow, the fixing of snow chains or snow
socks to driven wheels can prove to be of value
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Don’t attempt to overtake a snow plough or vehicle spreading
salt, unless you are sure the road is clear and the conditions
allow it to be done safely
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When driving at night, be alert for a drop in temperature. If the
steering feels light, youmay be driving on ice, so ease your speed
as soon as it is safe to do so
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If your vehicle becomes stuck in deep snow, engage the diff-
lock (if one is fitted) to regain forward traction – but remember
to switch it off as soon as the vehicle is moving and before
attempting a turn. Alternatively, use the highest gear you can to
improve traction. Then try alternating between reverse and the
forward gear until forward motion is possible. Avoid continual
revving in a lowgear, which could lead to the drivewheel digging
a deeper rut
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When operating independent retarders, take care when going
downhill in snow. The retarders could cause the rear wheels to
lock, although some retarders are managed by ABS to help avoid
this problem