Driving Your Heavy Duty Truck in the Rain

If you’re a heavy duty truck driver, you’re constantly on the road. Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t always cooperate, so sometimes you’ll be forced to drive in less than ideal conditions. At Fyda Freightliner, we want you to stay safe on the roads, so we’ve compiled some tips for safely driving during the rain. If you have any questions or you need to buy a new heavy duty truck, give us a call. We have multiple locations throughout Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania!

Before You Drive

Checking the weather forecast before you take your heavy duty truck out for a haul is an easy safety measure you can take before you even hit the road. Pay special attention to any flash flood warnings during heavy downpours as this can make for dangerous road conditions.

Next, plan your route. We know this sounds simple, but it’s still an important step when driving in the rain. Check for road closures due to flooding and plan ahead to avoid those areas. You may need to give yourself more time to get to your destination. 

As with any long trip in your heavy duty truck, it’s necessary to make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Check that the tires are properly inflated so they can perform at their optimal level.

One more step you can take before you start driving is to eliminate any distractions. Put your phone on “do not disturb.” Set up your GPS and get any of your snacks or drinks situated. You’ll want to be able to fully focus when driving the rain.

While You Drive

Now that you’re ready to hit the road in your heavy duty truck, you’ll need to take some precautions. 

Some important safety tips for driving in the rain include:

• Leave your lights on even during the day.
• Keep your radio at a low volume to limit distractions.
• Change speeds gradually so you don’t lose too much traction.
• Don’t drive into water on the roadway. Even a small amount of water can obscure your vision.
• Drive slower. Adjust your speed to accommodate for the rain and wet conditions.
• Increase following distance so you have more time to safely come to a stop.
• Don’t use cruise control or the engine brake. Using cruise control may mean you won’t sense hydroplaning when it happens and you’ll lose traction.

We hope these tips help you stay safe every time you drive your heavy duty truck in the rain! If you want any more advice or you’re looking to buy a new vehicle, call Fyda Freightliner at one of our locations in Kentucky, Ohio, or Pennsylvania. We can’t wait to help you find a truck that makes all of your hauling trips safe and enjoyable!