Illinois is one of the top five states when it comes to wind and hail damage because of its forceful wind storms and wild weather. Wind, in particular, can pose a large amount of danger to truck drivers making their way through the state. Here are a few steps to keep your truck and trailer safe during windy routes and keep your insurance premiums low:
- Keep an eye on the environment for treacherous areas. Hills and pockets in air travel can cause odd bouts of wind. Look for grass and trees growing at an angle, as well as windsocks. These are strong indications that not only does the area face strong winds but it does so regularly.
- Take more care with an empty trailer. Unless you’re driving a flatbed trailer, your vehicle’s dimensions will stay the same before and after your drop off a load. Less weight in the same surface area means the wind can more easily catch the flat side of your trailer, so the same route back home can still be dangerous.
- Check the weather. If you see any signs of prior wind storms, regularly pull up a weather report and check in with other truckers. A collection of small clues, such as bumpy weather ahead along with brush growing at an angle, are indicators that even the smallest report of bad weather is a sign you should slow down or even stop and inspect your truck for any loose parts.
Not only can poor weather conditions make safe driving difficult, wind can damage your vehicle directly. Make sure you take precautions to minimize claims and maintain a clean driving record. If you want to learn more about what steps you can take to lower your insurance premiums, go to J.E.B. Insurance Services, LLC. We also provide commercial truck insurance in the following states: Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Caroline, South Carolina, Tennessee, Iowa, and Nebraska.
