Winter Driving Tips
During winter months, keep up to date with weather reports in your area or over the routes which you intend to travel. If snow or ice is predicted, make plans to leave early or arrive later and communicate those plans to the agent. If chain laws are active, consider finding a safe place to park until the restrictions are lifted and roads are clear for travel.
Remember, safety before service.
Use this checklist to prepare your vehicle for winter driving.
1. Check windshield wiper blades
to make sure they work properly.
2. Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
Under or over inflation can reduce the gripping action of tires because the tread will not meet the road as it was designed to do.
3. Keep your fuel tank at least half-full.
The extra volume can help reduce moisture problems within your fuel system. It also adds weight to your vehicle, making the truck less susceptible to high winds and gusts.
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Before you leave, perform a complete pre-trip inspection, scrape the ice and snow from every window, exterior mirrors and hood. Don't forget to remove snow from headlights, brake lights and the top of your trailer, if possible.
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o Stop often, in safe areas, to make sure snow or ice isn’t accumulating on the tractor or trailer, especially the exterior lights. Don’t be a sitting duck. Landstar does not allow parking on the side of any road or interstate unless it is a true emergency.
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Try to remove ice and snow from your shoes before getting in your vehicle. As the ice or snow melts, moisture can build up, causing windows to fog on the inside. You can reduce fogging by turning the air recirculation switch to the Off position. This brings in drier, fresh air. Also, run your air conditioner which becomes a dehumidifier for a few minutes.
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You should always use safety belts, both lap and shoulder straps.
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Although your radio can provide helpful traffic information, it can also be a distraction. Since driving is more a mental skill than a physical skill, you may want to keep it turned off.
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Don't use a cellular phone when driving on ice or snow. Even if you have a hands-free model, you need to concentrate on driving, not on a telephone conversation.
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Anticipate vehicles coming from side streets and increase following distance. If someone is too close behind you – don't speed up – slow down to let them go around you.
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To make sure other drivers see you, always drive with your lights on. Low beams may be more effective than high beams in heavy fog or snow.
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For more information, please contact:
safety@landstar.com
or 800-872-9496.
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