Truck driving is, at its core, a career path for men and women with adventure in their hearts. The day-to-day driving may not look glamorous to the untrained eye but being a career trucker means working on your own terms and striking out into unknown territory. The adventure can also include toughing out extreme weather across the country, from dust storms in Las Vegas, NV, to blizzards in Madison, WI. Wherever you end up on your trucking journey, the seasoned drivers here at Bay & Bay Transportation want to remind you this winter that being prepared for whatever the road throws at you is the best way to ensure that your adventure doesn’t end prematurely.
Winter truck driving can be an adventure in itself, thanks to the unpredictable nature of noncommercial drivers coupled with the trials that fast-changing weather can pose. Icy roads, poor visibility, and high winds are only the beginning in the northern states once winter really sets in. And as soon as road conditions take a turn for the slippery, it’s practically guaranteed that just about everyone will forget how to drive safely. Altogether, this means that truck drivers will be contending with weather, poor roads, and even poorer drivers on a near constant basis until the spring thaw arrives.
Thanks to these winter challenges, learning how to be prepared for anything is the most important action every truck driver can take on the road. For instance, if you’re a truck driver in a northern state, you should always carry extra water; emergency food; extra layers for your hands, feet, ears, and neck; and a shovel. You should also have flares, battery powered phone chargers, and emergency blankets. It’s better to be slightly overladen then woefully unprepared for freezing temperatures.
Once you have your winter truck driving kit stocked, the next task to do is make a storm plan. Even truck drivers who have been working on rigs for their entire professional lives can’t predict the weather. Knowing when it’s just not safe to continue to drive is a skill that all truck drivers should hone, especially during the months where time outside could lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Stick to your guns, follow your gut, and pull off the road if a blizzard is bearing down.
Surviving winter in Madison, WI, may be part of the adventure called truck driving, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be smart about it. Truck drivers looking for year-round work and willing to brave the winter weather conditions can contact Bay & Bay Transportation at (888) 801-3026 or visit our website for more information on position openings. Bundle up and start your truck driving adventure today!