Winter can be a dangerous time to be on the roadways in Toronto and the surrounding areas (Niagara Falls, Lincoln, Beamsville, Hamilton, Mississauga, etc.), even for the most experienced drivers. At Coral Truck Equipment, we want to help you stay safe on the roads this winter. That is why we have put together some simple Toronto winter trucking safety tips that will help you stay safe this winter season.
1. Make Sure Your Truck is in Good Condition
Taking a little time before every trip and during stops to check your truck’s condition can make a huge difference in the overall safety of driving on the roads. Some of the simple checks and vehicle maintenance you can perform at any leg of your trip include:
- Cleaning all snow and ice from your truck, especially the hood, roof, lights, and windows. Snow in any of these areas increases the chance of your visibility being affected while you are driving.
- Doing a visual, hands-on inspection of tires, wiper blades, fluids, and lights.
- Making sure that you have at least half a tank of gas at all times.
2. Carry a Winter Driving Kit
Carrying a winter driving kit with proper supplies can mean the difference between life and death when driving in harsh winter conditions. When driving, you should always make sure to keep your winter driving kit handy and that it is stocked with:
- Proper clothing (loose layers, extra gloves, rain gear, etc.)
- A flashlight and batteries
- A blanket
- Non-perishable food and water
- A first aid kit, including any required prescription medication
- A bag of sand or salt
- Extra washer fluid
- A windshield scraper and brush for snow removal
- Jumper cables
- Tire chains or traction mats
- Cell phone and charger
3. Brake and Accelerate Slowly
Make sure that you avoid any sudden stops or starts on icy roads. If you need to slow down quickly in slippery conditions, try lightly pumping your brakes with just the ball of your foot, keeping your heel on the floor. This will reduce your chances of locking your tires and losing control of your truck.
4. Watch for Black Ice
Black ice is a thin layer of transparent ice that forms when the temperature is close to freezing. Shaded spots, bridges, overpasses, and intersections are areas where ice is likely to form first or be the most slippery. Hazardous icy road conditions in Toronto can sneak up on you, so when the temperature gets close to freezing, watch out for these signs:
- Ice buildup on your outside mirror arms or backs, antenna, or the top corners of your windshield
- Water spray from tires of vehicles in front of you suddenly stops, indicating an ice patch
- Roadside trees and signs have a frosting of ice even though the road surface only looks wet
If you would like to learn more Toronto winter trucking safety tips, or if you are interested in one of our products (truck equipment, truck lift gates, truck bodies, and snow equipment), please contact Coral Truck Equipment at 289-808-9252 or by filling out a contact form on our website. We are proud to serve customers throughout the Toronto area including locations such as Niagara Falls, Lincoln, Beamsville, Hamilton, and Mississauga.