It's a Team's Life

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Driving a semi-truck on icy or snowy roads is one of the most demanding and dangerous situations a professional driver faces. Jack-knifing, loss of traction, and long stopping distances are the biggest risks. Here are the proven, practical techniques used by experienced ice-road and winter mountain drivers:

     Pre-Trip & Vehicle Preparation

     1.  Tires & Chains:

          a.  Use dedicated winter tires (3PMSF symbol) on all positions if possible.

          b.  Carry at least three sets of chains (most states require you to carry chains west of the Rockies in winter).

          c.  Pre-fit chains in the yard when conditions are good so you know they fit perfectly.

     2.  Slow Down Early: Reduce speed 30–50% below normal dry-road speeds (e.g., 35–45 mph on interstates instead of 65–70).Posted “truck speed limits” in                          places like Colorado or Utah are often the safe speed in winter.

     3.  Increase Following Distance: Minimum 12–15 seconds behind the vehicle ahead (normal dry is ~7 seconds). On ice, it can take a fully loaded truck over 600 feet (two football fields) to stop from 55 mph.

     4.  Driving Techniques on Ice/Snow: Smoothness is Survival. Accelerate, brake, and steer as gently as possible — no sudden inputs.

     5.  Braking: Light, early, repeated “stab” braking with ABS if you have it. If no ABS: threshold braking (just below wheel lock-up). Jake brake/engine brake: Use the lowest setting possible (or turn it off entirely on glare ice).

     6.  Downhill Technique: Select the correct gear BEFORE the descent so you almost never touch the brake pedal. Snub brake lightly only if speed creeps up 3–5 mph above your target. Chains on drive axles help tremendously downhill.

     7.  Uphill: Keep momentum — don’t stop halfway up a hill if you can avoid it. If you lose traction and start spinning, ease off the throttle immediately; hammering it digs you in.

     8.  Curves & Corners: Slow down well before the curve (brake only while straight). Enter the curve slowly, then gently accelerate through the second half — this loads the drive axles and helps traction.

     9.  Avoid These Common Mistakes:  Empty trucks are worse than loaded ones on ice (less weight on drive axles). Never use cruise control in winter conditions. Don’t ride the shoulder — snow berms and slush will pull the truck sideways. Steer into a skid but do it very gently and early.

   10. Special Situations:

          a.Black Ice -- Often found on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. If you hit it and feel the steering lighten, ease off the throttle and let the truck coast until traction returns.

          b.Stopped on a Hill -- Use wheel chocks if you have them. When starting again: use a light throttle.

Safe winter rule of thumb: “You can always go slower, but you can’t always stop shorter.”

Here’s to millions of SAFE and profitable miles.

Kelly Plumb