Tips for Driving a Semi-Truck in the Rain

Spring is usually a warmer season, but it can also bring a lot of rain. Normally, rain is a good thing; however, it can make driving a lot more difficult, not to mention more dangerous. Check out these tips for driving a semi-truck in the rain so you can make it to your destination safely.

Slow Down

Experts recommend that all drivers slow down when driving in rainy conditions. Water can make roads slick, which can increase the potential for accidents. If you’re going slower, you’ll have a better chance of controlling your vehicle if you hit a slick patch. You may also encounter more accidents on the road during rainy weather, and going slowly will give you extra time to stop your truck.

Stay Back

Another driving technique to use during rainy weather is to leave more room than you normally would between your truck and the vehicle in front of you. Similar to the previous tip, staying back gives you more room to brake if there’s an accident up the road. It also means that if you lose control briefly, you won’t immediately smash into someone else’s vehicle.

Listen to the Local Radio

When you’re driving in the rain, it’s vital that you know about any dangers on the road ahead. Listening to a local news radio station can make you aware of any lighting, tornadoes, hail, flooding, or accidents in the area.

If, for example, you know that you’re heading into an area with hail, you can stop and take shelter until it passes. This keeps both you and your vehicle safe. Flooding is also something to watch out for because it only takes six inches of water to make a vehicle lose traction on the road.

Study Your Route

Before you head out on each delivery, you should have a clear idea of where you’re going and what major road changes are coming up. When it rains, the striping on the road can become difficult to see; if it’s pouring, you might not be able to see road signs either. Knowing your route will help you make all of your exits.

We hope these tips for driving a semi-truck in the rain help you arrive at your destination safely. At GRA-MAG, we’re committed to truck driver safety—that’s why we provide 18-wheeler seats for sale that block whole-body vibrations and improve driver comfort. Contact us today for more information.