4 Tips for Driving a Truck in the Rain

It’s that time of the year again, when storms and heavy rain increase the risks on the road, especially for truck drivers.

Squinting through the windshield during a downpour is stressful in its own right, or hitting a deep puddle that sends a blanket of spray over the next lane.

There are plenty of ways truck drivers can stay vigilant and safe while driving in the rain. We share our best tips below.

1. Get rid of distractions

Before taking off, it’s a good idea to stash your phone in a spot where you won’t be tempted to grab it for a quick look at the screen. 

Keep snacks and drinks within reach and set the radio volume on low. Driving in the rain demands your full attention, and limiting distractions is one way to make it easier.

2. Accelerate and decelerate with care

Driving on rain-slicked roads means you’ll need to slow it down. If you’re coming up on a curve in the road or a sudden stop, start decelerating earlier than you normally would, reducing speeds by 5mph if needed.

And remember, you don’t need to go the speed limit and you certainly shouldn’t go over. Keep it slow and steady- you’ll have more control to react in case of an emergency.

3. Get into a “safety pocket”

It’s important to keep a safe distance between your truck and the vehicle ahead of you. This is called a safety pocket, leaving at least 7 seconds of following distance in fair weather conditions, and even more in rainy conditions.

4. If gets severe, get off the road

If you’re stuck in a torrential downpour and can’t see a thing through your windshield, don’t risk it. Safely pull off on the side of the road and wait for the rain to pass. There’s no reason to take a chance with safety!