Truck Drivers need to start preparing for the cold winter months. Follow Winnipeg trucking company Len Dubois Trucking for useful tips and information to get drivers where they need to be safely. Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
We know it’s only the the end of September and no one really wants to think about the cold, dreary days ahead, but it’s time to start getting ready for winter.
Being a truck driver in the winter months presents a whole new set of challenges and safety issues. At Len Dubois Trucking we expect our drivers to be safe on the roads and this may mean shutting down instead of ploughing through dangerous driving conditions.
You need to plan ahead to make sure that you are equipped with the proper supplies in case you need to shut down or get stranded in less than desirable locations. Winter weather can be unpredictable. Road closures, getting stuck on a mountain pass, or having to shut down in a rural community all present different challenges that truck drivers must face. Being prepared to live in isolation for several days is important and a precaution that all drivers should take seriously.
Be Prepared for Everyday Winter Living
I know we’re all tough Winterpeggers, but that doesn’t mean that prolonged exposure to the cold winter elements doesn’t affect us. Be smart. Get a good winter parka, quality thermal gloves, a toque (that’s a hat for our American readers), thermal winter boots (steel toed work boots don’t cut it in the winter), a scarf or balaclava to protect your face and ski pants. These items will help you get through the day to day life of being a trucker in the winter. There’s no point getting frost bite on that long walk into the truck stop, or while fueling. These items will also be very handy if you break down, get stranded, have to crawl under the trailer for maintenance, or if you have to abandon the truck for safety reasons.
Be Prepared for Emergency Situations
Road closures happen and they don’t always happen right beside a truck stop. Be prepared to get stranded. Keep non-perishable food items in the truck. Crackers, soup, peanut butter, energy bars, canned beans are all good things to have on supply. A good rule of thumb is to keep enough food to last a couple of days. Water is also key to your survival, so make sure you always keep bottled water in the truck. If you don’t already, you may want to consider getting a lunch box stove or a microwave for the truck so that you can prepare meals.
Keeping additional blankets, candles and a lighter or matches, in the truck is also a good idea. If something happens to your heat source, i.e. your fuel freezes, while your stranded you can bundle up and light a few candles to keep warm until help arrives.
Remember your safety is our top priority. Don’t travel in dangerous situations if you can’t avoid it, drive safely.
