It might be summer, but for truck drivers, the weather can be completely unpredictable. Depending on where you’re driving, you might experience sunshine, rain, snow and hail, all within a matter of hours. Even experienced drivers can struggle with extreme weather and may be more susceptible to accidents and collisions when the rain really starts to come down.
Safety is the primary concern when you’re on the road, so it’s essential to take the necessary steps to prepare yourself for extreme weather conditions and make sure you understand how to stay safe when roads are wet and slippery. Below are some tips from a longtime provider of commercial roadside assistance in Flagstaff, AZ to help you out.
Prioritizing safety
The most important thing to remember when you’re driving in unsafe conditions is that your highest priority as a driver is to stay safe—even if that means a slight delay in your route. It’s important that you’re prepared for extreme weather conditions with emergency water, food and first aid supplies in your cab. It’s better to have an emergency kit ready to go that you never use than to be without a kit when you really need one.
As a driver, it’s essential that you inspect all of your vehicle’s systems before heading out on the road. Check your wipers, inspect your tires and brakes and make sure that your headlights are working to promote safety during extreme weather. You should always be mindful about keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, especially when it’s raining. Make sure that you brake slowly and gently to avoid skidding on the road. If you start to hydroplane, pull your foot off the gas and avoid overusing your steering wheel until you regain normal traction.
If you see a flooded area on the road, it’s essential that you avoid it completely. Even if the road isn’t officially blocked off, driving through a flooded portion of the road is dangerous and can cause you to run off course, even if it’s just a few inches of water. Water often pools on the sides of the road, so try to stay in the inner lanes where the pavement is drier, if possible. In some cases, a downpour might cause power outages for traffic lights. If you come to an intersection without functioning traffic lights, proceed with caution and treat the intersection as you would a four-way stop.
Call us for commercial roadside assistance in Flagstaff, AZ
If you find yourself stranded and in need of commercial roadside assistance in Flagstaff, AZ, make sure to call Maclin Truck & Trailer. We offer comprehensive mobile repair services, and we are more than happy to provide roadside assistance within 100 miles of our shop. We have extensive experience handling a wide variety of concerns, including flat tires and dead batteries, and we can transport your vehicle back to our shop for more extensive repairs if necessary. Our family owned and operated company is equipped with the knowledge, training and resources necessary to handle a wide range of repair needs so that you can get back on the road as soon as possible. Give us a call today to find out more!