Safe Speed and Following Distance
A safe speed and following distance go hand-in-hand when you are a truck driver. One of NTB’s golden rules of trucking is to always take the two into consideration, especially during weather changes. Many truck drivers think that more accidents happen on ice or snow and are relieved by the time summer comes around.
However, the weather condition with the most accidents is actually rain. Many of these accidents are due to excessive speed and following too closely. The right speed is commonly associated with going the speed limit, but for the trucking industry, the most critical factor that should determine safe speed is weather.
In rainy conditions, it is important to adjust your speed accordingly and slow down. Driving the same speed in the rain as you do when the pavement is dry is one of the biggest causes of accidents. In addition to safe speed, following distance comes into play with that.
It can be sunny one minute, and then downpouring the next, so maintaining a safe following distance will help keep you safe on your drive. Being far enough away from the vehicle in front of you can reduce your chance of an accident and allow you to react accordingly if something happens in front of you.
Always be on the lookout for weather changes, and be safe whenever you are on the road!
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