Winter driving: best practices

Safe driver points 

• Watch for limited visibility with fog.
• Allow 8 to 12 seconds of following distance.
• Look a quarter-mile ahead.
• Stay in right lane.
• Don’t travel on the shoulder.
• Control your speed.
• Watch for iced bridges.

Dos and don'ts

• Do use all brakes in combination.
• Don’t use exhaust brake.
• Don’t use trailer hand brake.
• Do use proper gears going downhill.
• Do drive slowly with chains on dry pavement.

Signs that chains are needed

• When it’s legally required
• Snow on oncoming vehicles
• Alert received over CB
• Changing weather and road conditions
• Seeing safe chain-up locations.
• State police are stopping drivers.

Putting on your chains

• Pick a safe pullout area.
• Use three-point dismount.
• Use proper PPE.
• Warm up muscles.
• Decide which way to roll safely.
• Keep chain attachments clear.
• Mark tire and move 90 degrees.
• Connect each rail.
• Tighten cam-locks.
• Roll 15 feet forward, then retighten.
• Retighten in a safe area.
• Use bungees to keep chains snug.

Driving with chains

• Don't drive faster than 35 mph.
• Leave window cracked open to listen for unexpected noises.
• Practice speed management.

Removing your chains

• Find a safe spot.
• Use your PPE gear.
• Take off the right side first.
• Roll off tail, not clamps.
• Inspect for broken links.
• Hang properly for next time

For more on this topic, visit saif.com/truckingsafety.