The West Virginia Trucking Association and American Trucking Associations are urging the millions of motorists that are expected to travel on the highways this Christmas holiday to follow the safety tips from a team of professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles.
Additional motorists and winter road conditions can lead to dangerous situations, so a team of elite professional truck drivers, are offering advice on how to navigate through highway traffic and arrive at your destination safely. Tips include:
- Prepare you vehicle for long distance travel:Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road before you leave your home.
- Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
- Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
- Be aware of truck blindspots:
- Check your emergency kit:Contents should include: battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire repair kit and flares.
- Be aware of changes in weather:Weather conditions across the U.S. will be changing - especially during early mornings and evenings with the cold. Watch for ice, snow and other weather related obstacles.
- Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
- Leave early and avoid risks:
- Avoid extreme weather conditions:Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight.
- Remove ice and snow from your vehicle:
- Be aware of the vehicle in front of you:Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front so you can avoid snow and ice blowing onto your windshield or maneuver around patches of ice.
- Pack your vehicle smart: With luggage, sports equipment and presents be sure to pack your vehicle so that you can see out of all of your windows and mirrors.
- Slow Down:With the extra highway congestion due to Holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of a space cushion and reduce your speed.
- Buckle up:Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
“We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season,” said Jan Vineyard, President of the WV Trucking Association. “Between motorists visiting families and last minute shopping, our highways are busier than ever. There is nothing better than patience and safe driving practices behind the wheel.”
“Always buckle up,” said America’s Road Team Captain Dale Williams (Trimac Transportation). “Weather can also be a factor during this time of year so check weather conditions before you get in your vehicle.”
The Share the Road Professional Drivers would like to remind the motoring public that from driveway to highway, safety requires patience and dedication.
Share the Road is a highway safety outreach program of the American Trucking Associations that educates all drivers about sharing the roads safely with large trucks. An elite team of professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles deliver life-saving messages to millions of motorists annually. The safety program is sponsored by Mack Trucks, Inc. and Michelin North America, Inc. www.atastr.org. Follow the Share the Road on Twitter and Facebook.
For additional information, contact Jan Vineyard at (304) 345-2800 or visit the website atwww.wvtrucking.com.
