Safe driving is mandatory for low premiums. Every insurance company takes into consideration the various risks associated with insuring you and your drivers against both physical damage and liability claims. But safe driving isn’t just about maintaining situational awareness, knowing trucking regulations, and fighting off driving fatigue. It’s also about keeping your truck’s conditions consistent to ensure good drivability.
What does altitude have to do with keeping your truck safe and responsive?
If you’re driving across the country, or even just across a particularly mountainous state, then your altitude will fluctuate and that affects your car’s conditions as much as it affects the weather. Look out for these three changes:
Do your tires have enough air pressure?
Altitude can shift the air pressure in your tires. This is even more apparent, and dangerous, in winter because the temperature changes brought about by additional height in the mountains also change the air pressure. You can expect the pressure in each tire to change by 1-2 psi for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature shift. Consider getting smart sensors added to your truck (which can also give you reasonable notice for your trailer’s tires) or start checking each time you reach significant altitude changes.
Is the ice melting off your side mirror?
Driving in freezing temperatures is always more inconvenient or uncomfortable, but the range in between certain freezing and no risk of snow is particularly dangerous. At between 22 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit, snow can change between melting and freezing multiple times. That means slick roads and unexpected patches of black ice, so use moisture in your side mirror as a gauge for when you need to be extra cautious.
For more safety and insurance tips, go to J.E.B. Insurance Services, LLC. We provide commercial truck insurance in the states of Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa & Nebraska.
