Stay Steady on Your Feet in Wet Spring Weather
We’ve all seen those “Slippery When Wet" signs on our routes. But for professional drivers, the hazards caused by spring weather conditions aren’t just limited to slick roadways.
Drenching showers can soak your rig, making it more difficult to keep a firm and safe grip as you climb in and out of your vehicle. Ponding or pooling water left unattended on loading docks can cause you to lose your footing very easily, reducing the traction of your footwear. One wrong step into a water-filled pothole can compromise your work boots’ ability to prevent slipping — and even cause a serious injury.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that slips, trips and falls make up about 30% of all nonfatal injuries for tractor-trailer drivers. That’s why it’s important for drivers to tread carefully, especially in wet or otherwise unsafe weather conditions. Follow these two best practices to stay steady on your feet this spring:
Use the Three Points of Contact
The three points of contact rule is the industry standard and remains the safest way to climb in and out of your rig. While most of us learned this technique in driving school, it’s easy to get complacent over time. So, here’s a refresher:
First, face your vehicle. Never enter or exit your rig sideways or with your back to the truck.
Next, maintain three points of contact at all times. This means always keeping two hands and one foot — or one hand and two feet — in contact with your vehicle. You can, for example, put both hands on the grab bars and one foot firmly on the step. Use this method until you reach solid ground.
Always look down before you climb from your truck so you can spot any debris, oil or potholes. Do not try to carry a coffee mug, phone or any other equipment with you while climbing; instead, put them on the driver’s seat or on the cab floor before you enter and exit your vehicle. Never jump out of the truck. Jumping creates extra stress on the body that can hurt your knees, back and ankles.
Wear Proper Footwear
High-traction, slip-resistant shoes will give you the best traction. Work boots will have enough tread so that you can maintain a firm footing. Look for boots that will support your ankles while climbing. Boots with a steel or composite toe will also protect your feet. Keep the treads on your boots clean. Replace the soles if the treads start to show cracks or other signs of wear.
Bonus tip: Always reduce your speed by at least one-third when driving in wet spring weather and never drive faster than conditions allow.
