How to Navigate Through Adverse Weather Conditions Safely in a Truck

Driving a truck is rather different from getting behind the wheel of an exotic or classic car. But if you have a hankering for that blue-collar feeling, it’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

I’m not talking about a tanker or 6 axle monster, though. With a standard driver’s licence, you can drive a conventional rigid-axle van or pickup truck, provided it weighs less than 3.5 tonnes and has no more than 8 passenger seats.

But even a “smaller” truck comes with some challenges and learning curves, especially if the weather doesn’t play along. 

Navigating adverse weather conditions safely in a truck requires a combination of preparation, vigilance, and adaptability. We all know the weather can be unpredictable, with conditions ranging from heavy rain and fog to snow and ice, all of which can make driving a truck tricky.

That’s why I’ve created this guide to ensure you can stay safe while enjoying a recreational truck journey, no matter what the weather says about it.

Pre-Journey Checks

Before setting out on any journey, it’s crucial to ensure your truck is well-prepared and in optimal working condition. You can use this nifty checklist to make sure your vehicle is ready to go:

Tyres

Check that your tyres are in good condition and have sufficient tread depth. The thicker the tread, the better the hold on the road.

Brakes

Ensure your brakes are functioning correctly. Adverse weather can reduce braking efficiency, so it’s essential they are in top condition and not showing excessive wear and tear.

Wipers and Lights

Make sure your windscreen wipers are effective and that your lights are clean and operational. Good visibility is crucial in poor weather conditions.

Fluids

Check all your fluid levels, including oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid. Use a winter-grade screen wash to prevent the screen from freezing.

Emergency Kit

Carry an emergency kit that includes a high-visibility jacket, warning triangle, first aid kit, tow rope, jump leads, a spade, and a blanket. In winter, consider adding a bag of salt or sand and a small snowbrush.

Weather Forecast

Always check the weather forecast before you travel. You can easily download an app that offers accurate updates and warnings for every part of your route. If severe weather is expected, consider postponing your trip if at all possible.

Precautions For Driving in Heavy Rain

Heavy rain can significantly reduce your visibility and the traction of your truck.

If it’s bucketing down, you must reduce your speed to maintain better control of the vehicle. Wet roads can increase stopping distances, so keep a larger gap between you and the vehicle in front. 

Additionally, be aware of the risk of aquaplaning, where a layer of water builds up between the tyres and the road surface and causes a loss of traction. If this happens, ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden steering movements until you regain control. 

If large puddles or pools of water are avoidable, drive around them rather than through them. Your truck may be big, but even water that’s 30cm deep can cause a vehicle to float and damage your engine and electrical systems.

Although it is tempting to use high beams, remember that you are higher up than other vehicles, and these beams can reflect off the rain and reduce your ability to see. So, be sure to dip your headlights to light the way ahead. 

Staying Safe in Fog

Fog can reduce visibility to a few meters, making it one of the most hazardous conditions for driving a truck or any vehicle. It can also occur unexpectedly, so you need to know what to do.

When it gets foggy and visibility drops below 100 meters, turn on your fog lights to stay safe. However, don’t forget to turn them off when the fog clears, as they will blind other drivers coming toward you.

You should also reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Use the road markings to guide you, and always avoid changing lanes unnecessarily. 

If the fog is very dense, consider finding a safe place to pull over and wait for it to clear.

Coping with High Winds

High winds can be particularly dangerous for trucks due to their large surface area, which can catch the wind and cause instability.

If you have a heavy load or are transporting anything in an open-bed truck, ensure your load is securely fastened to prevent it from shifting or falling off. 

Wind can be erratic, so always maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and be prepared for gusts of wind that can push your vehicle off course. Also, avoid overtaking high-sided vehicles that can be more susceptible to wind. If you must overtake, do so quickly and safely.

Driving in Snow and Ice

You may come across snow and ice less frequently but they can create extremely challenging driving conditions when they occur.

If you know you’re going to be driving in snowy conditions, get yourself some snow tyres as they provide better traction at temperatures below 7°C. Regardless of whether you have snow tyres or not, always drive smoothly and gently and avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns to reduce the risk of skidding.

Stopping distances can be significantly longer on icy roads, so always increase your following distance to at least ten times the normal gap. If you start to skid, steer gently into the skid and avoid braking suddenly. Keep your eyes on the direction you want to go and try to regain control slowly.

Get From A to B Safely

While there’s no denying that driving a truck can be risky, and many collisions result in the need for medical or legal assistance, there are ways you can improve your safety while behind the wheel. 

Being ready and able to handle adverse weather is one of the many safety precautions you can take to ensure a rewarding and safe journey. As the Scouts say, be prepared.