Nothing is scarier than losing control of your truck on a busy highway, resulting in dangerous skidding that can cause an accident.
Preventing the frightful skid is key, and this starts with learning how to brake the proper way.
With skid control, you prioritize safety for you and other drivers on the road. Of course, sometimes skidding can’t be avoided. In this post, we share 4 tips to prevent loss of control and what to do in case your truck starts skidding.
When you slam on the brakes, this can cause the steering axles to lock, resulting in a scary sideways slide.
This is especially dangerous if your brakes are old and haven’t been inspected in some time. That’s why it’s especially important to do a thorough mechanical check before heading out on the road.
Instead of slamming on the brakes, pump them instead. This can be difficult to remember, especially when you are jolted into making a split second decision, but by remaining calm and tapping the brakes, you can prevent sliding.
Tapping involves gently pressing the brakes up and down so that the rig slows down gradually. This simulates how an ABS system is supposed to operate, making this the safest way to brake.
Slow and steady is the name of the game when driving a big rig down a steep slope. The faster you go, the more difficult it will be to stop safely and can result in loss of control.
Another useful tip to prevent skidding is to direct your rig to stay as straight as possible to prevent the heavy weight within the trailer to shift and throw off balance.
Aim to straighten out while on a straight road, but avoid straightening on a curve, as this can result in skidding.
True Carriers Group is a non-asset based group of carriers that has been helping drive America’s supply chain for over 40 years. We offer a full range of logistics services, including Intermodal, Reefer, Van, Flatbed, Brokerage, LTL and Heavy Haul.
