Wet Weather Driving Tips

You will learn many skills in your truck driving school near Portland, including how to drive in wet weather. These skills are vital to your safety, the safety of others on the road, and the integrity of your haul. Read on for more information about truck driver jobs and wet weather.

Slow Down on Curves

It is already necessary to drive curves slowly when you are hauling a large rig. You must be aware of your load shifting and causing the entire tractor-trailer to turn over. It is even more crucial to drive curves slowly when it is raining or the roads are wet. When the roads are slick, you risk sliding off the road and off a cliff or into a barrier or rocks. If your freight shifts on a wet curve, then your risk of causing an accident increases. Always be aware of upcoming curves and turns, especially during wet weather.

Watch out for Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning can happen to any vehicle, but it is especially dangerous during a trucking job in the rain. Hydroplaning is a dangerous phenomenon where your vehicle’s tires glide on a film of water rather than making contact with the road. This dangerous consequence of driving in wet weather can cause you to lose control of your truck. Hydroplaning can happen whenever the roads are wet, but it is most common during the first few minutes of a light rain. You can avoid hydroplaning by taking care of your tires, slowing down, avoiding hard braking, and making slow turns.

Avoid Jackknifing the Trailer

Jackknifing is another dangerous possibility when driving in the rain. You will learn extensively about the dangers of jackknifing and how to avoid it in your truck driving courses. You can avoid jackknifing by slowing down and braking gradually. Ensure that you are slowed down well before approaching the curve. The key to avoiding a jackknifed trailer starts with avoiding hydroplaning, so always be aware of how your truck is performing in wet weather.