Especially after Daylight Savings, the days are much shorter and the nights are much longer during the winter months. This can take a toll on you as you’re driving long distances and are used to having more daylight to work with.
Driving during shorter days in the winter can be taxing, which is why we’ve gathered 3 tips on how to remain safe on the road in the darker, colder months:
- Be extra cautious.
Allow for extra space and slow down when driving during the winter months. Less-than-ideal road and weather conditions mean that there are likely to be more hazards on the road at any given moment, so make sure to give ample space to the drivers, objects, and pedestrians around you when you’re on the road. Accidentally shifting sideways or slipping on the road is far more common during the winter. Extra space around your truck helps you prepare for this. Slowing down is always a good idea when you can’t see too far ahead of you in the dark and the weather isn’t ideal.
- Prepare for the worst.
Although you should hope for the best, it’s always smart to prepare for the worst. Have an emergency bundle stored in your truck with a winter coat, jump cables, a flashlight, an ice scraper, food and water, and extra gas. Keeping a shovel and a bucket of salt on hand may also help you out in a pinch if you get stuck, too. The last thing that you want to happen is finding yourself stranded on the side of the road in the dark, woefully underprepared, cold, and miserable. Keeping all the necessities in your truck for emergencies will save you in the event that something unfortunate happens!
- Know when to stop.
Although you may be used to driving extremely long days in difficult weather, you should know when the conditions are just too dangerous to drive through. Even if you have an ETA or a deadline to meet, don’t risk your safety to make it. When the weather or your drowsiness when driving warrants it, stop driving and pull off the road. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and making sure you stay within your limits is the best thing you can do to keep yourself and other drivers on the road safe.
If you ever find yourself in need of heavy duty towing services or roadside assistance this winter, contact Tow Pro at 615.256.TOWS(8697). Our experienced operators and tow truck drivers are ready to help you in any situation you find yourself in. We also offer equipment for sale, specialized transport, and light and medium duty towing services.