Isaac Harmon, Director of Safety for CPC Logistics, was featured in a Transport Topics article about how fleets and drivers should prepare for the winter season.
In the article, titled “Winterization Process Requires Preparation, Training,” Isaac shares a variety of steps that should be taken to maximize safety at least a month or two before the weather turns, including:
- Watching out for any kind of moisture that can leak into air lines, which can cause cracks and issues with the tractor. Water can impact everything from brakes to transmission and could disable the vehicle.
- Equip windshields with washer fluid, and ensure filters are working properly. “If you operate continuously in the Northeast, make sure diesel fuel has additives so it doesn’t gel, another top cause for trucks to break down,” Isaac told Transport Topics.
- Conduct in-trip inspections. “Do a walk-around on your vehicle any time you drop off a load. See if the lights are working, if there are audible sounds, and pay attention to how the vehicle is acting and working,” he said during his interview.
- Stay up to date on National Weather Service forecasts with apps that can send push notifications.
- While driving, look for any kind of water spray that comes off the tires of other vehicles. If no water kicks up, it’s a good indication that the road is frozen, and that extra caution should be used.
- Driver onboarding should include regular winter training safety. “The more you can refresh it and keep it in the front of a driver’s mind, the better chance you have of success,” Isaac said in the article.
Read the full Transport Topics article here and visit our safety page for FACT Notices on winter and holiday driving.