Category: deadly roads

5 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

Posted on September 20, 2018 by - deadly roads, driving jobs, keeptruckin, Mountain, mountain driving, off road truck, OOIDA, truck driver, truck driving tips, truck pro, truck tips, Trucker, trucking safety tips, truckthat

7 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

Driving in the mountains can be intimidating for truck drivers, and that is especially true for rookie drivers. However, you can quickly gain confidence on mountain routes by following some basic safety rules and taking advantage of safety features available to you. Here are the seven need to know trucker tips for driving in the mountains.

Trucker Mountain Driving Tips


#1 Slow And Steady

Taking it slow and steady is probably the best advice for driving mountain routes. So many drivers make the mistake of traveling too fast on the steep grade because they misjudged its elevation based on its appearance. It’s tough to tell the grade of a hill just by looking at it, so it’s easy to make this mistake.

However, once your truck gains momentum traveling down the grade, it is nearly impossible to regain control. So take it slow and steady so as not to put yourself in this situation.

Our advice is to let the jake brake do the work of maintaining the constant speed. Also, touch the brake occasionally to keep your unit straight as you go down the hill. 

#2 Pay Attention to The Weather

If you are planning a route into the mountains, you will need to check the weather conditions. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so it is essential to check the weather the day of. If you find bad or dangerous weather conditions, you can consider an alternate route hopefully without a steep grade.

You should prepare yourself for changes in the weather as you are climbing or descending the mountain. The difference in altitude can bring a slew of weather conditions, so it is essential for you to stay alert to any changes.

Also, if there is a chain sign, please respect it. Put your chains on at the bottom of the hill. Don’t wait until you spin out and come back down the mountain.

#3 Don’t Tailgate

Leave as much room as possible between your and the vehicles ahead of you. Never tailgate on a mountain road. In the case of an emergency and you need to straighten out the truck. If your unit gets out of shape, you will want plenty of space to adjust.

7 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

#4 Easy on Corners

Take corner on a mountain extra slow because your truck and trailer are extra vulnerable when not straight. Your rig is much more likely to jackknife when turning. You have much more controls over the unit when it is lined up traveling a straight line.

#5 Regaining Control

If you feel you are starting to lose control of the rig, try crowding the unit to the shoulder of the road if possible. This will hopefully allow you to catch gravel to straighten it out. Also gently tap on the trailer brake. This might be enough to pull your unit straight again.

Stay Safe Out There

Keep in mind, not every driver on the road is following all the proper safe driving rules and tips. They are just as likely to lose control or hit a patch of ice. Give yourself plenty of distance and be aware of potential dangers.

Also, before I let you go, I wanted to introduce our sister product, TruckLogics: the ultimate web-based business management software available. This program is designed specifically for the transportation industry with plans to fit the needs of fleet manager, leased owner-operators, and owner-operators alike. Sign-up for your free 15-day trial and see the difference TruckLogics can make in your trucking business.

Start My Free Trial 

No Credit Card Required & Zero Obligation

5 Deadly & Dangerous Trucker Routes in America

Posted on March 17, 2016 by - 2290, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, dangerous roads, deadly roads, Maine, Personal Tax Extension, personal taxes, South Carolina, trucking nation

In this field, worrying about reckless driving is a constant concern. But sometimes it’s not just careless four-wheelers you need to watch out for. Sometimes, the road itself is the dangerous part. In these scenarios, instead of dodging risky drivers, your attention is focused on the dangers of your environment. At least you’ll be focused if you’re on these roads!



The Million Dollar Highway / Colorado
Located on U.S. Route 550 in Colorado, the Million Dollar Highway takes you through the Red Mountain Pass into the San Juan Mountains. Riding at 11,000 feet above sea level, you are faced with a winding road without guardrails and shoulders, so drivers need to keep their wits about them. Why the lack of guardrails? Well, when snow piles up, they need to remove it somehow. That’s right, it goes right off the edge of the road and down the mountains!



Interstate 10 / Arizona
Sure, Interstate 10 runs the entire length of the United States, but the portion that starts in Phoenix and runs to the California border is a step above the rest. While the population of the area is low, the death toll remains relatively high in comparison. And this sparsely populated desert means any hospital or emergency service coming to help you has a ways to go before they can arrive.



James Dalton Highway / Alaska
You knew we were headed to Alaska eventually—I mean, what’s more dangerous than ice road trucking? With Dalton Highway’s 414-mile dirt road stretch, supplying the local oil and gas businesses is no easy task. Also known as the haul road, this route takes truckers through the mountains of the Brooks Range, where it once fell to -80 degrees Fahrenheit, the lowest temperature ever recorded in U.S.! Now, there are occasional helicopter patrols looking out for vehicles piling up, but that does little to decrease the dangers of Dalton. While the road was designed for rigs, four-wheelers can pass through it, but not many auto rental companies will allow tourists to try—so at least we have that assurance.



Interstate 26 / South Carolina
Nothing like a little southern hospitality to keep you safe on the road, right? That counts for most of the South, but the little stretch between Interstates 26 and 95 is a magnet for auto accidents. Maybe it’s the endless trees lining either side of the road, or the steep shoulders, but many a car careen off the tarmac and into the ditches. Maybe it’s the speeding four-wheelers, or the lack of guardrails, but this road has a well-deserved reputation!



Routes 1 & 11 / Maine
Hitting a deer can scratch, ding, or dent any vehicle. But what happens when you hit a moose? Yeah, we’re gonna let you Google that on your own free time. But on both Routes 1 and 11 up in Maine, there can be a moose at any turn! With the hilly terrain, faded road signs, sharp curves, and devastating winters—Maine supplies any driver with enough danger to keep the blood pressure spiking. But hey, somebody has to transport that freight there.


Whatever takes you on these roads, keep in mind that you have a few tax deadlines that would be dangerous to miss. Your personal taxes are due by April 18th, and your IFTA deadline is April 30th. We’re still a few months away from your HVUT 2290’s deadline, but we’ll be here for you then.


If you have any questions about your deadlines, we’re available by phone at 704.234.6005. Our dedicated and friendly customer support team is looking forward to your call!

What’s the most dangerous journey you’ve made in your rig? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook and Twitter!