The following News Alert was issued today by the NJDOT. Please heed these warnings, and be safe!
NJDOT warns truck drivers of dangerous winds this weekend
Department
asks truckers to be cautious on the roads
(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
officials today said they are asking trucking drivers to be extra cautious this
weekend when driving throughout New Jersey.
Forecasts predict extreme
winds with gusts as high as 55 MPH creating hazardous driving conditions,
especially for large trucks. The Department has asked the New Jersey State
Police to watch for any trucks that may pose a risk to themselves or other
motorists.
“The wind forecasts this
weekend should not be taken lightly,” said New Jersey Department of
Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox. “Truck drivers on our roads need to be
aware of the weather and they must adjust their driving methods accordingly.
With winds as high as we are seeing forecast, there is a real risk of trucks quickly
losing control.”
“Professional drivers
who frequently cross the country know to watch for high
winds, but our local truckers rarely see this dangerous condition on New Jersey
highways. Motorists need to be on their
toes to give trucks of all types some extra room on very windy days,” said
Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
Some common safety tips
for truck drivers confronted with high winds:
1. Secure all doors and exposed items: Take the time to do a thorough once-over on your truck
before getting into the drivers’ seat. A few minutes beforehand can spare you
from a disaster later.
2. Be aware of the weather report.
3. Be mindful of signage and state/local laws: Obey all posted signage and watch for a change in speed
limits due to inclement weather.
4. Empty trailers are more dangerous: An empty trailer isn’t as weighted as a loaded one and is
far more susceptible to being manipulated by even a modest amount of wind.
5. When in doubt, slow down or stop: Under any circumstance, including weather, road
construction, restricted views or any possible hazard, always slow down to a
safe speed, or stop when appropriate.
6. Gear Down for More Power: Gearing down your transmission to boost your revs lets the engine supply
more power faster to the drive axles. This in turn can help pull your trailer
out of a swerve or lean if the wind starts to push it too hard.
