Rain negatively affects driver visibility and vehicle performance. As a result, driving on wet pavement requires drivers to be prepared and to take precautions to ensure vehicle safety.
By Will Flower
Different geographic areas across North America yield a variety of weather conditions. Professional drivers have experience driving in all weather conditions. However, wherever you are, driving in rain requires special precautions. Even a light rain can cause slippery road conditions and make it difficult to maintain control of a waste collection vehicle.
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
Every waste collection vehicle should undergo pre-trip and post-trip inspections. As part of the review, drivers should make sure lights, turn signals, mirrors, windshield and wipers are in good working order. Mud flaps should be checked. Tires, tire air pressure and the tread on tires should also be checked. Drivers should also turn on the defroster to ensure it is working properly.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Before starting a route, dispatchers and drivers should check the weather conditions and the forecast. Throughout the shift, drivers should keep watch on the weather. If a heavy rainstorm is in the forecast, plan accordingly. This may include rerouting to avoid low-lying areas and roads that are prone to flooding.
Drivers should take extra care at the start of the rainfall, as roads can be especially dangerous when water loosens oils on the road and causes slippery pavement. Drivers should also be aware that brakes, especially drum brakes, do not work as well when wet. Brakes that are inhibited may result in longer stopping distances.
Enhance Visibility
Rain reduces visibility and it could be hard for drivers to see other vehicles or roadway hazards. When rain is combined with roadway spray, dirty water from the road can cause windshields to become dirty further reducing visibility. That is why it is always important to make sure trucks have functional windshield wipers and plenty of windshield washing fluid. When the rain is falling, turn on headlights and marker lights to make the vehicle more visible.
Focus and Slow Down
Wet pavement demands a driver’s undivided attention. Drivers should stay alert and reduce distractions by putting away cell phones, avoid eating and turning off the radio to keep their full attention on the road. Reducing speed is the simplest and most effective way of reducing the chances of an accident caused by wet weather. Importantly if weather is too severe, the best decision you can make may be to avoid driving altogether and to stay off the road until the weather clears. Staying safe while driving in the rain is simple if drivers make a conscious effort to follow safety precautions.
Tips for Driving in the Rain
Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. When the rain falls, drivers need to be extra cautious:
• Make sure the collection vehicle’s equipment is properly functioning
• Slow down and allow for longer stopping distances
• Turn on headlights to increase visibility
• Avoid heavy breaking to avoid a skid
• Turn on the defroster to maintain visibility and keep windows clear
• Avoid puddles, potholes and flood water; never drive into flooded areas
• Beware of hydroplaning when tires lose traction with the road due to excess water on top of the road
• Be extra cautious with merging lanes
If weather conditions are dangerous and a driver cannot safely operate the vehicle, he or she should find a safe spot to pull off the road and wait for weather conditions to improve. Drivers should make sure their truck is completely off the road.
Next month’s Safety Brief will focus on keeping the lights on for trucking safety.
Will Flower is the Vice President of Corporate and Public Affairs at Winters Bros. Waste Systems. Will has 36 years of experience in the area of solid waste management and environmental protection. He has held operational and executive leadership positions at the Director’s Office of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Waste Management, Inc., Republic Services. Inc. and Green Stream Recycling.
Share your safety tip. Submit your suggestions to Will Flower at [email protected].