Until mid-February 2024, the weather was exceptionally kind to truck drivers, especially in the Midwestern states of the USA. There was little snow and frost, and if there were any, they only lasted a few days before the weather returned to above-zero temperatures. However, this could change at any moment.
The FMCSA, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, estimates that weather – namely snow, rain, freezing rain (black ice), strong crosswinds, and other adverse weather and road conditions – are the cause of nearly 500 fatal accidents involving trucks in the USA each year.
Can this be prevented? The widespread use of the latest technology, and in particular mobile device applications, has made it difficult for anyone to be surprised by sudden weather changes. However, if you are traveling several hundred miles at a time and traveling through many regions in a single day, such an unpleasant surprise can still happen.
Many trucking companies, whose trucks travel throughout the United States, have taken matters into their own hands and created cells that systematically monitor the weather on freight routes and inform drivers of dangers.
Some carriers have added custom weather alert systems that are transmitted via a dedicated information channel with a read-aloud function to prevent driver distraction.
Companies use a variety of information sources, such as The Weather Channel, weather services, and social media, to keep abreast of the weather situation in the 48 states through which their trucks travel.
Since the vehicle is visible on the map (thanks to GPS) all the time, the dispatcher, when the driver enters an area with dangerous conditions, can send an alert with recommendations, such as reducing speed or changing the route. The alert appears on the screen of the mobile device and requires confirmation, which ensures that the information reaches the recipient. In extreme cases, when the situation is extremely dangerous, the company may even remotely prevent the driver from continuing to drive, replacing the information about the delivery of the cargo with a message about the danger.
Transport companies should not only exchange information with drivers but also take care of communication with customers, informing them of possible delays caused by bad weather.
Investments in technology and a proactive approach to safety bring measurable results. By monitoring the weather and effectively communicating with drivers, it is possible to reduce the number of accidents and improve the quality of services, while taking care of the safety of their employees and the entrusted cargo.
For our readers in passenger cars who are going on a longer journey, for example, to Florida or even California, we have searched the internet and found two reliable, free and well-rated road and weather applications.
The first one is WAZE. It is a navigation application that detects hazards on the road, traffic jams, road conditions and other alerts. Another great application that helps in safe car travel is Google Maps. This app sends real-time information about traffic and road conditions, as well as notifications about accidents and hazards that may be encountered.
A wide and safe journey is wished by ALL ABOUT TRUCKS & TransLab!! We put Truckers first!!!
