Winter brings beautiful snowfalls to Northwest Indiana and the rest of Chicagoland, but it also brings treacherous driving conditions. For those who are not accustomed to driving large vehicles, navigating a rental truck through ice and snow can feel especially challenging. Some of the biggest issues to be aware of when driving a rental truck in the winter are:
- Unpredictable winter road risks
- Difficulty with vehicle control
- Significantly reduced visibility
- Neglecting safe-driving basics
At Marcus Allard Truck Rental, we provide dependable vehicles for every need, from moving your family to a new home to transporting a work crew. However, even the best-maintained truck requires a cautious, sensible driver when temperatures drop. Understanding the unique challenges of winter driving is the first step toward a safe journey.
Unpredictable Winter Road Risks
The most obvious hazard involves the road surface itself. Snow, slush and ice reduce traction significantly, turning familiar routes into treacherous paths. Black ice is particularly dangerous because it often appears to be simple wet pavement, yet it is actually a transparent, slippery surface.
When you drive a heavy rental truck, your vehicle interacts with these elements differently than a compact car. You must remain vigilant for changing road conditions. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and shaded spots, as these areas can freeze faster and stay frozen longer than the rest of the road.
Vehicle Control Challenges
As mentioned, most rental trucks are much heavier and have a higher center of gravity than standard personal vehicles. This added weight creates momentum that is harder to stop on slippery roads. Turning also presents a major challenge in winter, as taking a corner too fast can easily result in a loss of control. It is important to handle the steering wheel, accelerator and brakes with gentle, deliberate movements to keep the tires gripping the road.
Visibility Issues
Winter weather often means blowing snow, possible fog and significantly shorter daylight hours. These factors can combine to limit what you can see on the road. In a large rental vehicle, you already need to manage larger blind spots than you would in a sedan. When you add in snow accumulation on mirrors or windows, your visibility drops dangerously low.
Be sure to clear all snow and ice from the windshield, wipers, hood, mirrors and lights before you start driving. This ensures you can see potential hazards and that other drivers can see you.
Don’t Forget the Safe-Driving Basics
Many accidents occur because drivers attempt to maintain their normal driving habits despite winter conditions. Remember that you will need to adapt your driving based on road and weather conditions:
- Reduce your speed on snowy roads to account for the increased stopping distance required by a heavy truck.
- Apply the brakes gently and consistently to avoid skidding or sliding.
- Keep headlights on during sleet, rain or snow, including during the daytime, to improve visibility for yourself and others.
- If the vehicle begins to skid, remain calm. Steer into the direction of the skid to regain traction, and avoid overcorrecting.
- Check the weather forecast before you depart. If conditions are severe, the safest choice is often to wait until the storm passes.
In addition, keep an ice scraper, snow brush and emergency supplies in the vehicle in case of unexpected snow or delays.
Brave the Winter Drive With a Reliable Rental
Driving a rental truck in winter does not have to be a frightening experience if you are prepared. By respecting the risks of slick roads, acknowledging the weight of your vehicle and taking steps to maintain clear visibility, you can reach your destination without incident.
When you need a rental vehicle you can trust in any weather, choose Marcus Allard Truck Rental. We have served Northwest Indiana and the surrounding areas since 1958 with a modern, clean fleet kept in top condition by our certified mechanics. Whether you need a passenger van for a week or a stake truck for a day, we are here to help you get the job done safely. Contact us today to learn more or make your reservation.
