Commercial motor vehicle operations that could be affected by the storm should review the following important precautions that can be used to help avoid losses associated with adverse weather:
- Make sure your drivers are well-rested and alert before getting behind the wheel.
- Have drivers complete pre-trip vehicle inspections as prescribed by federal regulations, paying particular attention to tires, windshield wipers and headlights. Advise drivers to check weather conditions prior to departing to determine where the bad weather has struck and where it’s headed. The latest updates on the storm’s progress are available at
- Advise drivers to check weather conditions prior to departing to determine where the bad weather has struck and where it’s headed. The latest updates on the storm’s progress are available at weather.com. Conditions should then be confirmed every hour or two as they can change rapidly, and tornadoes and flash-flooding can occur suddenly.
- Urge drivers to allow extra time to reach their destination and have an alternate route plan in place before leaving so they’re better prepared in the event conditions require using it. State Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation websites provide up-to the minute information on traffic, road closures and detours.
- Establish a communication system that requires scheduled contact times with your drivers so they can be updated on conditions. Adhere to your electronic device usage policy so drivers are not using cell phones while operating the vehicle.
- Advise drivers to heed signs warning of flooded streets and pay attention to barricades. If they come upon a flooded street, they should take an alternate route. The water can be far deeper, with swifter currents, than it may appear. Roads covered in water are also prone to collapse and downed power lines may be hidden from view.
- Caution drivers that commercial vehicles, because of their height and size, are far more likely to be affected by high winds than other vehicles. During strong winds, drivers should slow down or pull over to a safe area, away from trees, power lines or other tall objects that could fall onto their vehicle, until dangers have subsided. Additionally, drivers should watch for objects that could potentially blow into the roadway.
- If your company is located in the storm’s path, move any vehicles that are not going to be in service to higher ground. Flooding is the greatest cause of storm damage.
- If your company has been contracted to assist in storm evacuations, be aware of the issues of driver fatigue, vehicle maintenance, storing vehicles, and managing hurricane evacuation traffic congestion.
- Importantly, remind drivers that they should keep headlights on to improve visibility; avoid sudden braking that could send their vehicle into a skid; avoid driving into standing water: add more space around their vehicle to allow sufficient time to slow down or stop on wet, slick road surfaces; and SLOW DOWN to increase traction and control.
