Is this your first winter as a commercial truck driver in Canada? You might be nervous about snow and black ice, but don’t worry. You have the training to overcome these obstacles from your AZ truck training classes in Brampton. These tips from our experienced instructors from Caledon Truck Driving School, will help in having a positive first experience. But beyond that, always stay alert and don’t take unnecessary risks.
Here are 5 winter safety tips for commercial truck drivers in Canada:
1. Make sure your smartphone has charge
Smartphone batteries can freeze when exposed to subzero temperatures for a few hours. Lower the charge, the more easily it’ll get frozen. Keep it inside the cabin and keep it charged 80% or higher. Keeping your phone charged while driving a truck isn’t just about calling dispatch or a mechanic. You’ll need it for GPS, real-time traffic updates, and weather alerts.
It’s your lifeline during emergencies, whether you need roadside help or to report an issue. Trucking apps for hours-of-service tracking, managing loads, or finding rest stops also rely on a charged phone. Plus, it helps you stay in touch with customers and even unwind with some entertainment during breaks. A dead phone? Not an option.
2. Stock up your truck with winter supplies
Canada gets some of the harshest winters and you must be prepared. Here are things you’ll need:
- De-icer and ice scraper
- Bag of salt and shovel
- Jump cables
- Flashlight
- Heated blanket
- Extra sweaters and warm pants
- High visibility jacket
- Extra supplies of food and water (to use if you get stuck)
- Half tank of gas
Beyond that, your truck should have emergency, medical, and food supplies. We have a full list for you here.
3. Check forecasted weather conditions for the entire trip’s duration
Weather in Canada changes quite rapidly. Before you start your trip, spend a few minutes reading up the forecast of the cities or towns you’ll drive through over the next few days. Google Maps or Apple Maps are both great mobile apps to use. If you want something more complex, we’ve compiled a list of GPS apps made for truckers. Apart from latest information on road closures and alternate route information, they also recommend routes that work for your truck’s height.
4. Keep an eye out for hazards
Fog, black ice, and heavy rain are common natural hazards during winters. Black ice occurs when the temperatures are near freezing and a transparent layer of ice forms on the road. It looks like the road is wet. Black ice can also build up on your tires, windshield, and mirrors. During thick fog conditions, turn on your flood lights and drive slowly. During heavy rains, your tires can slip, so make sure you drive slowly and apply the brakes gradually. You also must be extra careful while driving on bridges. They freeze a lot faster but are the last ones to get de-iced using sand or salt.
5. Drive smoothly and slowly
Doesn’t matter how fast other truck drivers or cars around you are going. Drive at a speed you’re comfortable with. Maintain a healthy distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you, so if brakes need to be applied, you don’t crash into them. Give signals while switching lanes or turning right well in advance, so the cars around you are prepared for it. If the weather gets tricky, don’t be afraid to stop for a few hours.
As a commercial truck driving school in Brampton, we highly recommend getting a couple winter training classes to boost your confidence. We offer AZ truck training classes in Brampton and have a new batch starting soon. Reach out to us to know about our latest offers and financing options.
