What Do Truck Drivers Need to Know About Driving in Snow and Ice?

Driving a commercial motor vehicle in winter weather requires more than simply slowing down when the snow starts falling. Professional drivers may travel through multiple states, changing elevations and rapidly changing weather conditions in a single trip. A roadway that is clear in one area can quickly turn into snow and ice as a driver climbs into the mountains. That makes winter preparation an important part of professional driving—and it needs to begin before bad weather arrives.

One of the most important steps drivers can take is becoming familiar with their winter traction equipment before they actually need it. In a recent episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey Trent spoke with Chuck from McGee Company about winter driving, traction laws, tire chains and alternative traction devices such as AutoSock. Chuck recommends that drivers practice installing whatever traction device they carry while conditions are good. Trying to figure it out for the first time on the side of the road in freezing temperatures and heavy snow is not the ideal learning environment.

Drivers also need to understand that traction laws vary by state. Depending on where a driver is traveling, there may be requirements governing when traction devices must be carried, when they must be installed and which tires must be covered. Chuck recommends checking each state’s Department of Transportation website for current requirements. This is especially important for over-the-road drivers who may cross several states during a single route and need to comply with different regulations along the way.

Chains Aren’t the Only Option

Tire chains have been a familiar winter traction tool for generations of professional drivers, but they aren’t the only option available. Drivers may also see the term ATD, or Alternative Traction Device, in state regulations. AutoSock is one example. It is a textile traction device that fits over a vehicle’s tires and is approved for use where traction laws exist across the United States, including for commercial vehicles, according to Chuck. AutoSock has undergone testing to demonstrate traction performance comparable to tire chains and meet applicable requirements.

One of the biggest differences between AutoSock and traditional chains is installation. Chuck explained that AutoSock is lightweight, compact and designed to be installed relatively quickly. For a commercial vehicle, he said a typical AutoSock weighs about 4.8 pounds and can be folded into a small package for storage inside the truck. He also noted that installation time can be significantly shorter than installing chains on a tandem-axle truck—an important consideration when a driver is standing alongside a roadway in snow, wind and freezing temperatures.

That doesn’t mean chains no longer have a place. The right traction device depends on the operating environment. Chuck recommends traditional chains for demanding off-road applications such as logging or oil-field operations. On paved roads with packed snow or ice, AutoSock can provide drivers with a lighter and more convenient alternative. Regardless of which device is used, drivers need to understand its limitations and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation, speed and removal.

Winter Safety Goes Beyond Traction

Traction equipment is only one part of preparing for winter driving. Drivers should reduce speed, increase following distance and allow considerably more room to stop in snow and ice. Having a traction device installed does not mean a driver can operate as though road conditions are normal. Chuck recommends keeping speeds below 20 mph when using chains or AutoSock and emphasized the importance of giving the vehicle additional time and distance to stop. Drivers should also carry basic emergency supplies, including food, water, warm clothing and other equipment that could help if they become stranded.

For students preparing to become professional drivers, learning about winter operations is an important part of learning the profession. Understanding traction laws, knowing how to install traction equipment, planning routes and recognizing when conditions require a change in driving behavior are skills that can help keep drivers—and everyone sharing the road with them—safer. Winter driving preparation shouldn’t begin when the snow starts falling. It begins with training, planning and having the right equipment ready before it’s needed. Listen to the full episode of NGT Talks, “What Do Truck Drivers Need to Know About Driving in Snow and Ice?” to hear more of Lindsey’s conversation with Chuck about preparing for winter roads.