When you drive for a living, there are a whole host of things that could go wrong. This is even truer during winter months. Unlike many other professions, when you’re out on the road, often the only person you have to rely on is yourself. This is why it’s imperative that you keep a few essential supplies in your truck during the cold winter months.
Abrupt changes in elevation and extreme temperatures drops can wreak havoc on roads from October to March, and sometimes beyond. When accidents occur, even the most well-prepared truck drivers can end up stuck on chilly roadways for hours. Keeping extra clothes and a blanket on hand will ensure you have warm, dry clothes to put on if you to end up stranded. You can also layer up with these when the weather gets cold or need to be outside for long periods of time (if your truck breaks down, for instance). Items to pack include extra boots, socks and clothing you can layer on or easily change into.
Having extra food and water on hand is also a great idea for the reasons outlined above. We recommend having one gallon of water per passenger on-hand at all times, but it’s also nice to keep a few extra gallon jugs of water with you for emergencies, depending on the amount of space you have in your truck. In terms of food, it’s a good idea to have a box of non-perishable items such as protein bars, among other snacks, with you.
In today’s digital world, a working smartphone could be the difference between suffering in the cold and reaching emergency services for help. Extra batteries and charging packs are essential for anyone leaving the house today. To make sure you are never left without juice for your devices, a solar battery charger is a must for any driver who spends a lot of time on the road.
Things can get treacherous on winter roads. Think about the situations you may find yourself in, be prepared, and be safe out there on the road. If you have questions about preparing for winter long-haul travel, contact us at ROJ Trucking and Repair.