On the Road

Being prepared for the worst

Do your pretrip

Not only is it essential, it is required by law. Know how to complete a good pretrip and make it a habit. It can save you a lot of time anfd grief.

Getting unstuck

  • If your truck is stuck in snow, the first step is to remove the snow that's blocking it. Clearing a path in front of each drive tire to get you moving may help.
  • Now try driving out slowly. Don't try to power your way out.. Try 3rd or 4th gear.
  • Try rocking the truck. Gently pull forward as far as you can than let the truck rock backward, then shift to a forward gear and ease it forward. The key is quick but gentle shifting and power application. Spinning the wheels will just make things worse.
    • Dead batteries.

    Check your manual. Improper jump starts can damage engine computers on most late model trucks and could cause some expensive problems. If you do elect to jump start from another truck follow this procedure.

  • Shut off both trucks.
  • Attach cables in the following order: a. Fasten the black clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery, . b. Fasten the other end of black cable to block or frame of disabled truck.
  • Attach red clamp to positive terminal of the dead batteries . Attach the other end to the positive terminal of the good batteries .
  • Start the truck with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes to put a charge into the dead battery. Watch the voltmeter to see if the "dead" battery is taking a charge. It should slowly move to between 12 and 13 volts.
  • Try to start the "dead" truck. Do not crank the engine too long as you can burn up the starter. If it dosen't crank, recheck all cable connections and repeat.

    • Rain, snow, fog

    In all bad weather you should adjust your speed accordinly.

  • Heavy rain. When it first starts raining, be extra cautious because the roadway will have an oil and grime buildup which will be especially slick until it has rained enough to wash it off. When you turn on your wipers, also turn on your defrosters to keep the windows from fogging up. Adjust your speed to the visibility you have.
  • Snow. Wipers and defrosters on. Maintain a reasonable speed. Acceleration and braking should be easy and smooth. Try to keep away from other vehicles so as to have room for manuevering if you get into a slide. Plan ahead as to where you will stop if needed. It is not always easy to find parking for a truck in bad weather.
  • Fog. Lights on, but not high beams. This will make you more visible to others. Do not over drive your visibility. In heavy fog, keep moving until you can find a safe spot to stop.
  • In bad weather stop only in places that are well off the road, such as rest areas, truck stops or service plazas. Some states are making weigh stations available as parking areas for trucks. Stopping on the road in low visibility areas is an invitation to be rear-ended.
  • DO NOT PARK ON INTERSTATE RAMPS.

    • Accidents

  • If you are involved in an accident in which there are no injuries and the vehicles are drivable, move off to the side of the road to exchange insurance and other information.
  • If you are injured, stay in your vehicle until professional help arrives. Your truck is probably the safest spot.
  • If you should happen upon an accident involving others, review the situation.
      Is there anything you can do to help? If the answer is no, get out of the way.
      If there is a police officer or similar authority in charge, do as they direct.
      If there is no one on the scene determine how you can best help. Most often that may be to find a phone to dial 911 for help.
      Make note of the location so that you can tell the operator specifically where the help is needed. Note the milemarker or nearest intersection. look for some land mark if needed.
      Give aid to victims only to the extent of what you are qualified. You could inadvertently make matters worse for an accident victim while trying to help them.
  • IN THE CASE OF FIRE OR DANGEROUS CHEMICAL SPILLS. The most important thing is to get everyone to safety and let qualified people take care of the situation.

    • Seat belt

    This is simple. Wear it, all the time.

    Safety is an attitude.

    Safety is building good habits and eliminating bad habits.

    For further information:

    fworkman@fuse.net Email to Franklin Workman

    Last revised: April 07, 2003
    Copyright © 2003, FW Solutions All rights reserved.