We all know the dangers of ice, rain and snow. The only “good thing” about these three weather conditions is that we can see them and take our safety measures on time. But how to deal with something that cannot be seen? What should I do against an invisible enemy like the wind?
We are going through the Santa Ana winds and its hurricane season in certain states, driving in high winds. While seasons are predictable, it could turn into a disaster if precautions aren’t taken.
Many people think that a large vehicle, like ours, has advantages in fighting against the wind, due to its weight and size. But actually, quite the opposite is true, as their large size and height above the road surface makes them more likely to tip over.
As a professional truck driver, knowing how to drive in strong winds is very important for road safety. Winds with speeds of 60 mph are strong enough to cause the vehicle to lose control and overturn it.
In the many years that we have been in the transportation business, we have witnessed rollovers that caused only material losses. Thank goodness these people were lucky and only suffered minor injuries.
Unfortunately, not everyone is equally fortunate. For this reason, we recommend that you be very careful, especially if the vehicle goes with low weight or even worse if they are empty. This puts them in a very vulnerable position to dangerous winds.
Depending on the weight of the load and the size of the trailer, winds of 40 to 59 mph can also be dangerous. Remember that your life is infinitely more important than your work and burden.
Driving in unsafe conditions could represent a threat to you and others on the road. If the wind conditions are so bad that you cannot have full control over the vehicle, stop and pull off the road.
If you’re experienced and your instincts tell you that you can stay on the road with confidence and safety, we advise you to drive slowly. Truck driver safety and road safety depend on your ability to make this decision wisely.
Since the wind is invisible, it is often ignored. Understand the danger and take your precautions, knowing what the risks and consequences are. Don`t think its cowardice to avoid driving in bad weather. Avoiding risks is being smart and professional in every sense of the word. Pay attention and obey the safety warnings posted on the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations say: "If conditions become dangerous enough, the operation of the commercial vehicle will be suspended and will not resume until the commercial motor vehicle can be operated safely."
Have a nice day and a safe trip. May God bless you greatly.
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