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By Eve MacDonald 02 Mar, 2018

We’re urging everyone to read FTA’s HGV driving safety tips for snow and icy conditions:

  • Allow more time for your journey
  • Obtain weather information before you set off and keep up to date with changing conditions and closed routes via the radio or by regularly calling into base (you can also see our traffic alerts and weather alerts)
  • In snowy or freezing conditions, carry in the cab: a shovel; a couple of strong sacks (to put under the drive wheels if the vehicle becomes stuck); warm clothes and a blanket; a torch, food and a warm drink in a flask; a road atlas; a mobile phone and charger; and sunglasses (the glare from snow can be dazzling)
  • Ensure the whole of your vehicle (especially your windscreen and mirrors) is cleared of ice and snow before attempting to move off
  • Lower your speed and keep a good distance from other vehicles – allow ten times the normal stopping distances on icy roads
  • Allow for the fact other drivers may get into difficulties
  • All braking must be gentle and over much longer distances, especially when driving articulated vehicles or those with a trailer attached
  • Avoid any sudden braking, steering or acceleration
  • Falling snow can reduce visibility dramatically, use dipped headlights and reduce your speed
  • Road markings and traffic signs can be obscured by snow. Take extra care at junctions
  • In prolonged periods of snow, the fixing of snow chains or snow socks to driven wheels can prove to be of value
  • Don’t attempt to overtake a snow plough or vehicle spreading salt, unless you are sure the road is clear and the conditions allow it to be done safely
  • When driving at night, be alert for a drop in temperature. If the steering feels light, you may be driving on ice, so ease your speed as soon as it is safe to do so
  • If your vehicle becomes stuck in deep snow, engage the diff-lock (if one is fitted) to regain forward traction – but remember to switch it off as soon as the vehicle is moving and before attempting a turn. Alternatively, use the highest gear you can to improve traction. Then try alternating between reverse and the forward gear until forward motion is possible. Avoid continual revving in a low gear, which could lead to the drive wheel digging a deeper rut
  • When operating independent retarders, take care when going downhill in snow. The retarders could cause the rear wheels to lock, although some retarders are managed by ABS to help avoid this problem

By Eve MacDonald 01 Feb, 2018
We’ve added some new additions to our ‘Customers’ tab on our website.
By Eve MacDonald 26 Jan, 2018
We strongly focus on health & safety, and training has been fundamental in the development of our business.
By Eve MacDonald 19 Jan, 2018
Most of us love to indulge at this time of year and that means enjoying a few drinks, but it’s so important that we all know our limits when it comes to driving.
By Eve MacDonald 12 Jan, 2018
MacDonald Transport Ltd delivered for Loxley Colour this week to London.
By Eve MacDonald 03 Jan, 2018
Now that we’ve returned from a great Christmas break, we thought we’d take a look at the importance of rest for our drivers.
By Eve MacDonald 22 Dec, 2017
Merry Christmas everyone. We hope it's filled with joy, love, happiness...and of course, safe driving!
By Eve MacDonald 20 Dec, 2017
Safety always comes first!
By Eve MacDonald 13 Dec, 2017
Think about loading in order to avoid being overloaded and know the maximum your van can legally weigh!
By Eve MacDonald 05 Dec, 2017
Speeding is still the biggest motoring-related offence, which is why we always ensure our drivers are operating in a safe and efficient manner.
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