The Official Blog of Penske Transportation Solutions

roadside safety

What hazards will this winter bring to commercial motor vehicle drivers? While nobody knows for sure how bad each winter may be, the Farmer’s Almanac indicates that the winter of 2022-23 will include plenty of snow, rain and mush, along with record-breaking cold in parts of the U.S.

That means professional drivers must be ready for anything and plan accordingly. This includes keeping a properly stocked roadside emergency kit with you at all times. Your kit can help if you get stuck or stranded in harsh weather and is there if you suffer an unexpected mechanical breakdown or accident. In extreme situations, the items in your kit may even save your life. So prior to each trip, inspect the items in your kit to ensure completeness and make sure you know how to operate the emergency equipment before an emergency happens.

What should go in your kit?

Mandatory Items

The U.S. Department of Transportation mandates that all drivers carry:

  • One fire extinguisher with an Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL) rating of 5 B:C or more, or two extinguishers with UL ratings of 4 B:C or more. All extinguishers must be labeled, filled, charged and securely mounted. Hazmat vehicles must carry an extinguisher with UL ratings of 10 B:C or more.
  • Spare fuses – You should have at least one spare fuse for each type and size of fuse your truck needs.
  • Warning devices for stopped vehicles – These include three bi-directional emergency reflective triangles. You should also carry at least six road flares capable of burning for 30 minutes or three liquid-burning flares capable of burning for at least 60 minutes to meet UL standards.

Other Basic Items

  • Jumper cables or a portable lithium-ion battery
  • Motor oil and coolant
  • A safety vest and a warning flag
  • A first-aid kit that includes bandages, hand sanitizer, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, scissors and tweezers
  • A tool kit that includes wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, flashlight, duct tape, zip ties and a box cutter
  • A tire pressure gauge and an inflator or sealant to patch up a tire
  • Long-lasting foods like canned goods and energy bars
  • Bottled water – Wrap them in a cloth to make sure they don’t freeze in colder weather.
  • Cell phone with a charging cord that works properly
  • Medications – prescription, over-the-counter meds and supplements
  • A tarp if you need to work on your rig while on the road
  • A laminated list of all emergency contacts
  • A hand crank radio or battery-operated radio with extra batteries

Items Specifically for Cold Weather Driving

  • Snow and ice equipment – Shovel, ice scraper, snow brush, tire chains, below zero windshield washer fluid, weather-proof matches, cat litter for traction
  • Winter clothing – Wool socks, hat, mittens, waterproof boots, snow pants, insulated socks, face mask, ice cleats, hand and feet warmers
  • Extra blankets including an emergency blanket and/or a subzero sleeping bag
    • Other authorized comfort items – It’s been proven that morale-boosting items greatly increase the likelihood of survival and increase the ability to maintain rational thought during emergency situations.
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    You’re heading down the highway when trouble strikes. Whether it’s a tire going down, a dying battery or an electrical issue, you’ll need to know how to react. Use these five tips to stay safe during a roadside breakdown:

    1. Find a safe place to pull over. If your truck is still drivable, pull over on the side of the road, as far away from traffic as possible. Try to avoid areas where visibility may be bad, such as tight curves or a hillside.

    2. Turn on your four-way flashers. If it’s at night, also keep your headlights on and turn on the dome light in the truck.

    3. Put on your high-visibility safety vest. If your truck doesn’t have one, you should get one. They are bright orange, lime or yellow, with reflective striping that ensures you are seen even on the darkest roadways.

    4. Set up your truck’s warning devices. All trucks must carry warning markers. Typically, you’ll find three reflective triangles, but your vehicle may also have fuses or liquid-burning flames. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) regulation 392.22 requires drivers to place warning devices outside their truck within 10 minutes of a highway breakdown. Per the regulation:

    • Place the first warning device on the traffic side of and about 10 feet (four paces) from your stopped truck in the direction of approaching traffic
    • Place a second device about 100 feet (40 paces) from your stopped vehicle in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by your truck and in the direction of approaching traffic
    • Place a third device about 100 feet (40 paces) from your stopped vehicle in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by your truck and in the direction away from approaching traffic

    On a divided highway or one-way road, place the first warning device at 200 feet and the second at 100 feet in the direction toward approaching traffic in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by your truck. Place the third marker within 10 feet of the rear of your truck.

    If your truck breaks down on a curve or in an obstructed area, place warning signals 100 feet to 500 feet from your truck. Warning devices are required in a business or residential district only at night.

    5. Return to your truck and stay inside. Call for service (Penske Truck Leasing offers 24/7 roadside assistance) and notify your dispatcher. Do not try to fix the truck yourself. Remain in the cab until help arrives.

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