In recent weeks, news stations across the nation have filled the air with stories of winter storms wreaking havoc across the northern, eastern, and even southern U.S., and the west coast has been devastated by wildfires, flooding, and mudslides.

Nevertheless, trucking and transportation must operate no matter the conditions. That includes driving through rain, sleet, hail, snow, fog, ice, thunderstorms, high winds, and whatever else mother nature throws at us. Trucking, transportation, and logistics are the backbone of the American economy, therefore it’s crucial that drivers are aware of how to handle different inclement weather. 

Mudslides Caused Devastation and Made Roads Impassable 

Within the first week of 2018 southern California experienced devastating mudslides and flooding. The mudslide has claimed 20 lives and put over 200 people in a shelter as their homes are no longer livable.

The victims of the mudslide and flooding are in our thoughts and prayers. 

The highways in the area are currently consumed with boulders, trees, and crushed cars. There are testimonies of truck drivers being stuck in their rig up to 6 hours.

Many of the roads drivers would normally take are no longer functional. It is important to check the roads before heading to your destination. The California Department of Transportation has a resource app called QuickMap that is being updated frequently.

Stay Up-to-date on Wildfires and Safety Alerts

Wildfires swept across the west coast this past fall, including California, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and many other states. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2017, there were 66,131 wildfires with about 9.8 million acres burned.

When these wildfires occurred they caused many roadways to close. It’s important to stay alert in areas where wildfires have been reported as they can change direction quickly and jump roadways. Always follow safety instructions to avoid being caught in the blaze. 

Many regions have safety alert systems and websites that list road closures due to fire. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation said it was working with Waze to keep the app updated with important information on road closings.

Driving Through Winter Storms

A little more common than wildfires and mudslides, snowstorms are a nightmare for all drivers. The amount of problems one can encounter while driving in this inclement weather are countless. 

Smart-Trucking provides a great list of winter trucking safety tips. We’ve summarized them below:

1. Slow down – Many accidents in wintery weather are caused by speeding. Depending on the weather, even the speed limit may be too fast to stay safe.

2. Keep a safe following distance – Leave plenty of room to increase reaction time (approx. 1/4 mile). 

3. Don’t travel as part of a pack – Avoid driving alongside other vehicles. Instead, safely create space between yourself and other vehicles.

4. Don’t follow the taillights of the vehicle ahead – When visibility is low, being able to see the taillights of the vehicle in front you means that you are driving too closely.

5. Keep as safe distance so that you don’t follow other drivers off of the road.

6. Use good, solid judgment — Don’t hesitate to find a place to stop until conditions improve.

7. Don’t stop on the shoulder of the road –– Stopping on the side of the road my confuse other drives and lead them to run into you.

8. Don’t try to be a hero –– Take winter weather seriously. Don’t feel like you’re letting anyone down by not meeting a scheduled appointment.

9. Braking – Don’t engage the Jack break and avoid sudden stops. Trailers can slide and spin you out of your position.....the truck slows down, and the trailer does not. This is especially true, when the trailer is empty.

10. Ensure ‘all systems’ are a go — Give your truck a good once-over to ensure it is in tip-top shape before driving. 

11. Keep fuel tanks topped up, for extra weight over the drive tires, to aid with traction.

12. Keep tractor and trailer lights clean — Lights are essential for any vehicle, but when visibility is limited, make sure you keep yours clean..

13. Pack winter driving essentials –– Besides the mandatory roadside emergency kit, bring ample cold-weather supplies including emergency blankets.

Louisville Switching Assists With Winterizing Your Truck Fleet

When snow and ice threaten driving safety Louisville Switching can help provide Insta-Chains. These automatic ice chains go to work with the flip of a switch; drivers do not even have to leave the seat of their trucks to turn on the chains. The Insta-Chains are a reliable way to gain traction while driving in unsafe conditions. 

The chains can be applied on school buses, ambulances, fire trucks, semi trucks, tour buses, transportation buses, garbage and waste trucks, snow plows, utility vehicles, and personal pick-up trucks.  

Recovery And Moving Forward In The Logistics And Trucking Industries

If your business was affected by some of these natural disasters, let Louisville Switching help you on the road to recovery. We understand the importance of yard trucks in your operation and we want to help keep your fleet running. 

If your logistics, manufacturing, or trucking business has been affected by inclement weather, we have a full inventory of Ottawa yard trucks to meet your needs. Or if the cold weather in the midwest has caused damage to one of your yard trucks, you can request service from our mobile service truck. Let us know how we can help!