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Navigate adverse weather safely
2023-01-19T06:00:00Z
With flooding in California, tornadoes in the south, and snow and sleet in much of the north, it’s important that CMV drivers know how to safely navigate a variety of adverse weather conditions. Here are some reminders for drivers who are faced with inclement weather:
- Flooding: Avoid driving in areas that are prone to flooding during or in the hours after a storm. Never drive on a flooded road. Water is so powerful that a single foot of water exerts 500 lbs. of lateral force to anything caught in its path. Even in a vehicle heavy enough to withstand a foot or two of water, a driver could easily become stranded in a stalled vehicle. In that case, the driver should get out of the vehicle immediately and seek higher ground.
- Tornadoes: A tornado watch means that weather conditions are right for a tornado to form, so drivers should start thinking about where they can stop if they need to. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted. In that case, a driver’s best option is to find a place to park and take shelter. If that isn’t possible, the driver should leave the truck and lie in a ditch or other low area.
- High winds: The direction of the wind is important, as it is more dangerous to drive in winds that are hitting the side of a bus or truck than in winds coming from the front or rear of the vehicle. The size and weight of the vehicle also makes a difference; heavier vehicles can withstand higher winds than empties. Likewise, a load that is top-heavy is more likely to topple in high winds.
- Snow, ice, or fog: Any time visibility is limited or traction is reduced, a driver should:
- Slow down,
- Increase following distance,
- Allow more time to stop,
- Don’t drive next to other vehicles,
- Slow down on curves,
- Try to anticipate stops,
- Don’t brake harder than necessary,
- Accelerate slowly and smoothly, and
- Use low-beam headlights.
No matter the season or the region, drivers should be aware of the local weather forecast and stay in contact with dispatch for updates.