After I started traveling a lot for work, I realized that I needed to be ready for anything life threw at me. I didn't want to get stranded on the road without any supplies to my name. I started collecting little things that might help during an emergency, and it was amazing to see how much of a difference it made. When I was stranded a few months later, I was prepared while I waited for the tow truck. This blog is all about preparing for towing services and getting your car ready for emergencies. After all, you never know when you will be faced with trouble.
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Getting Your Car Ready For Emergencies
Tractor Trailer Drivers: Beware Of Black Ice In Late Winter!
Eetu Ketola
Black ice is something that many people think of as being a problem in mid-winter when temperatures are at their coldest. In late winter when daytime temperatures are warmer, people tend to let their guard down. Unfortunately, black ice can be just as much of a hazard in late winter as in mid-winter. In fact, it is the higher daytime temperature of late winter that can make black ice a particular problem. When temperatures rise during the day, snow and ice can melt into puddles that cover the road. These puddles re-freeze at night, forming black ice. Knowing how to identify black ice and what to do if you encounter black ice in your tractor trailer can help you stay safe this winter.
Black Ice Identification
Black ice is so smooth and dark that it can be virtually indistinguishable from puddles on the ground. However, there are ways that you can tell the difference between black ice and water, if you're paying attention to your surroundings.
- No splash. Watch the cars and trucks on the road in front of you. When driving over water, the tires will produce a splash that sprays up around the vehicle. When driving over black ice, there will be no such splash.
- Proper conditions. If the weather was wet the day before and then the temperatures dropped well below freezing overnight, then the conditions are perfect for black ice.
Tractor Trailer Safety
In a tractor trailer, it's not enough to drive slowly when the roads are covered in black ice. You must take special precautions to stay safe. The following tips will help you avoid accidents with other drivers:
- Stay tuned for weather updates. Notices posted on boards over the interstate will tell you which radio stations have live updates about driving conditions. In times of severe weather, these boards will post driving restrictions as they come up. Pay careful attention to the boards, tune in to the radio stations, and follow all recommendations and requirements.
- Get tire chains. Chains can decrease your stopping distance. Have chains put on your tires if you must stay on the road.
- Know when to stop. The fortunate thing about driving in late winter is that the temperatures are often warm later in the day. Even if you have to stay off the roads in the early morning, you may be able to drive again by the afternoon.
Keep Tractor Trailer Towing Service Numbers on Hand
If you do find yourself driving in hazardous conditions, you could wind up in an accident and stuck on the side of the road. Keep the phone number for a tractor trailer towing service on hand. This will help ensure you're able to start driving again as quickly as possible.
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