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Must-Know Tips for Truck-Driving in the Rain

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Truck drivers must be mindful of a variety of hazards on the road, one of the biggest being rain and the road conditions it brings. Semitrucks can pack a powerful punch if a driver loses control on the road. Luckily, you can immensely minimize your chances of experiencing that situation by taking advantage of these must-know tips for truck-driving in the rain.

Inspect Your Truck Prior to Trips

Before taking your semitruck on the road, conduct a thorough inspection to ensure it’s in good enough condition to handle severe weather such as heavy rain. For instance, balding tires won’t be able to give you the control and traction you need to safely navigate slippery roads. Don’t wait to replace your tires until after the trip if you spot signs of balding.

Likewise, inspect your headlights for any evidence that suggests it’s time for replacements. Putting on your headlights during heavy rain can increase visibility for you and make others on the road aware of your presence, so ensuring they’re in working condition is key.

Slow and Steady Is the Pace

To avoid hydroplaning during your trip, drive slightly under the designated speed limit. Even a small amount of rain on the road can be a major hazard, so don’t rush to your destination if you find yourself in this situation. Maintain a safe speed so that when you step on the brake, you have enough time to slowly and securely bring the truck to a stop.

Along with decreasing your speed, increase your following distance between other vehicles. This will also help you slow down safely at traffic lights and in other instances in which you need to halt or slow down the vehicle. A slippery road can spell danger for trucks, but with these precautions, you greatly increase your chances of completing the trip without incident.

Know When To Pull Over

Out of all the must-know tips for truck-driving in the rain, knowing when to stop and pull over is possibly the most important. You have a job to do, so it’s totally understandable if you feel the need to truck through even the heaviest of rainfalls. That said, you shouldn’t needlessly put yourself and others at risk in such situations. If the roads are too dangerous or if the rainfall is so heavy you can barely see in front of you, find a safe place to pull over and wait for the weather to become safer to navigate through.