Winter Driving and Placards

March 2nd, 2015

Placarded?   If you are placarded you must obey all of the rules that apply to a placarded trailer even if you are empty.   These rules apply to rail crossings, tunnels, parking, travelling near highly populated areas such as coliseums (when being used), and designated non-HAZMAT Routes, etc.

Tips for Winter Driving.  The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio sent the following valuable information that I want to pass on to every employee and contractor. 

Subzero temperatures and freezing winds are nothing to chance when it comes to winter driving. Ice on the road means dangerous conditions. If you’re driving on ice, you won’t know until you need to stop. The PUCO offers these five tips to help you when traveling on Ohio's roadways this winter.

  1. 1.    Watch the temperature: Water freezes at 32 degrees, and when the temperature drops down near 10 degrees and below, salt becomes less effective. Roadways tend to be slightly warmer than the air temperature, but you should always be temperature-conscious during a cold snap.
  2. 2.    Keep your distance: Traffic clusters are common on bad roads as people naturally follow other drivers. Keep your distance from four wheel vehicles as drivers are often under the illusion the roads are safer than they actually are.
  3. 3.    Don’t risk it: No load is more valuable than your life. If conditions are too treacherous and you feel uneasy, pull off the highway and wait it out. Instead of parking on a ramp or roadway, which can make conditions hazardous for others, look for a truck stop or rest area and take your 30-minute break.
  4. 4.    Keep supplies on hand: If you spin out, get stuck, wreck, or are just sitting in a jam, necessities can be useful. Keep items such as extra blankets, ready-to-eat meals, and water with you in case of an emergency. Be sure to top-off your diesel tanks too so you won’t run out.
  5. 5.    Heed warning signs: Watch out for four wheel vehicles in the median or shoulder. This can be an indication of bad roads. Exit the roadway if you start seeing big trucks spin out.

Schneider Eggs.   I know, I know, we’re experiencing record snow and low temperatures and I’m already writing about the first signs of spring which will be popping up in the next couple of weeks.  I’m not thinking of Robins but of the orange barrels announcing construction zones.   Remember that most states have adopted the “Fines are Doubled in Construction Zones” attitude.  Travel in the proper lane; travel at the posted speed (or slower); maintain space management; be prepared for other motorists to move from another lane(s) into your lane; use the lean and look method when checking your mirrors and always be prepared to stop suddenly.