Proper Steps to Take in Preparing for Winter Driving Conditions

Step 1: Prepare Your Truck for Winter Driving
Tires are the most important factor in maintaining control of your vehicle in snowy and icy conditions. Traction tires on the drive axle(s) with adequate tread depth provide the best control. The tread depth and condition of the steer axle tires are also crucial for maintaining control of steering. If you are operating in areas with chain laws, ensure your chains are in good condition and ready to be installed if necessary. Additionally, make sure that all mirrors and glass on the truck are clean for optimal visibility.

Step 2: Turn Your Lights On
Turn on your lights to improve your visibility to other motorists.

Step 3: Avoid Using Cruise Control
Do not use cruise control on snowy or icy roads.

Step 4: Be Cautious on Bridges, Overpasses, and Infrequently Traveled Roads
Exercise extra caution on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently traveled roads, as these

areas freeze first. Even if the temperature is above freezing, you may encounter ice on shaded areas or exposed roadways, such as bridges.

Step 5: Don’t “Pump” the Brakes
If your truck is equipped with ABS brakes, do not "pump" the brakes. Let the system function as designed.

Step 6: Drive Slowly
Driving too quickly is a leading cause of winter accidents. Just because you are driving a large truck with a heavy load doesn't make you invincible. Be sure to drive slowly and cautiously on snow- and ice-covered roads.

Step 7: Stay Alert
Maneuvering is more challenging in snowy conditions. Anticipate your next move, giving yourself plenty of room for turns and stops.

Step 8: Don’t Tailgate
Tailgating is dangerous under normal conditions, but it is especially hazardous in winter weather. Stopping takes longer on snow and ice compared to dry pavement. Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. A good rule of thumb is to maintain four vehicle lengths for every 10 mph you are driving.

Step 9: Brake Before Making Turns
It is difficult to steer while applying the brakes in snowy conditions. Smoothly apply the brakes to reduce speed before entering a turn. Once you have rounded the corner, you can

accelerate again.

Step 10: Drive Smoothly
Snowy and icy roads are much less forgiving than dry pavement. Avoid abrupt turns or stops, as they can cause your vehicle to lose control and skid.

Step 11: Be Familiar with Your Vehicle
It’s essential to understand your vehicle's handling characteristics, especially when driving on snow or ice. Be aware of your truck’s load and weight. As the load decreases, the vehicle’s handling on snow and ice will change.

Step 12: Learn How to Control Skids
While it’s best to practice skid control in a driving school or on a closed course, it’s also helpful to know how to react if you experience a skid under real-world conditions. When skidding, counteract your natural instincts by turning into the skid and accelerating gently. Taking your foot off the brakes and gently accelerating during a skid helps transfer weight from the front to the rear, often allowing you to regain control.

For additional information on weather and road conditions, visit the FHWA's website at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm, which provides links to weather and road condition resources, travel websites, and 511 services.

1. Blended Fuel
   Blended fuel should be purchased, or a diesel supplement should be added to the fuel tanks as temperatures drop below 32°F.

2. Block Heaters
   Make sure the unit block heaters are plugged in when the unit is not in use during the winter months.

3. Initial Start-Up Process
   The initial start-up each day should follow this order: unplug the block heater before starting, turn the ignition to the “on” position, start the unit. Once running, allow the unit to reach operating temperature before use.

4. Air Brake System Maintenance
   If equipped with air brakes and air tank pull cords or drain orifices, purge the tanks daily. Ensure the air system reaches 120 psi and listen for the air dryer to purge moisture from the system.

5. Check Fluids
   Ensure all fluids are topped off, including windshield washer fluid. This is also a good time to check additional fluids, such as those for “wet kits,” etc.

6. Wiper Blades and Lights
   Ensure wiper blades are functional, all glass and mirrors are clean, and, if equipped, heated mirrors are operational. Make sure headlights, tail lights, and turn signals are cleaned of snow, ice, or salt and are functioning properly.

7. Brakes After Snow or Ice Driving
   If you have driven in snow, ice, or slush, before stopping the vehicle at the end of your

   

   shift, lightly apply the brakes to clean and dry the shoes, drums, rotors, and pads. This helps prevent brake pads from freezing to the drums/rotors while the unit is parked.

8. Steps and Grab Handles
   Ensure all steps and grab handles are clean, secure, and dry to avoid slipping.

9. Chain Requirements
   If you are operating in a state that requires chains to be on board, ensure the chains are the correct size, properly secured, clean, and not broken, so they can be easily applied when needed.
   If you're unsure about your state’s chain laws, visit: http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/laws.html

10. Dress Warm
    Dress warmly in self-wicking clothing, and have extra clothing available in case the unit breaks down or shuts down to prevent hypothermia.

For more information on weather and road conditions, visit the FHWA's website at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm, which provides links to weather updates, road conditions, travel websites, and 511 services.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a notice finalizing changes to its Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP). Under the CPDP, motor carriers and drivers can submit requests for data review (RDR) to FMCSA to determine the preventability of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes.

After reviewing public comments on its proposal, FMCSA added four new crash types eligible for review:

1. A CMV was struck on the side by a motorist operating in the same direction.
2. A CMV was struck because another motorist was entering the roadway from a private driveway or parking lot.
3. A CMV was struck because another motorist lost control of their vehicle. The Police Accident Report (PAR) must specifically mention loss of control either in the citation, contributing factors, or PAR narrative.
4. Any other type of crash involving a CMV where a video demonstrates the sequence of events of the crash.

There are now 21 separate types of crashes eligible for review under the CPDP. However, FMCSA declined a request to amend its procedures to proactively review crashes for preventability, removing the requirement for the motor carrier or driver to submit a request.

FMCSA stated that the burden remains on the submitter to provide compelling evidence that the crash is eligible and not preventable. Submitters are encouraged to provide additional

supporting documents, including videos, pictures, and court documents. The crash data submitted to FMCSA in the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) is a subset of the information available in the Police Accident Report. FMCSA noted that it does not have direct access to PARs or other supporting documentation, and a preventability determination requires more information than what is available in MCMIS.

Preventability under the CPDP will continue to be determined according to the following standard: "If a driver, exercising normal judgment and foresight, could have foreseen the possibility of the accident that in fact occurred and avoided it by taking steps within his/her control that would not have risked causing another mishap, the accident was preventable."

FMCSA will still determine a crash as "Preventable" if there is evidence that the driver or carrier could have prevented the crash or was prohibited from operating the CMV at the time of the crash. This includes, but is not limited to, out-of-service violations, license violations, and driver prohibitions in the agency’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

FMCSA emphasized that the crash preventability determinations made under this program will not affect a carrier’s safety rating or its ability to operate. The agency will not issue penalties or sanctions based on these determinations, and they will not affect how FMCSA makes enforcement decisions.

Additionally, FMCSA clarified that these determinations do not establish legal liability, fault, or negligence by any party. Fault is typically determined in civil or criminal proceedings, where legal liability for the consequences of a crash is assigned. In contrast, a preventability determination is not a process for assigning legal liability for a crash. Under 49 U.S.C. 504(f), FMCSA’s preventability determinations cannot be admitted into evidence or used in civil actions for damages, and they are not reliable for that purpose.