10 Essential Tips for Sharing the Road with Large Trucks During Winter
Feb 18, 2025
7 min read
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How Winter Weather Changes Driving Dynamics with Large Vehicles
Sharing the road with large trucks in the Maritimes during winter can present serious challenges. Icy roads, snow-covered surfaces, and reduced visibility often increase the risk of collisions. Because of their size and weight, large trucks require more time and distance to stop and maneuver, making it critical for drivers to exercise caution.
Across Canada, large truck collisions increase by approximately 30% during the winter months, highlighting the importance of safe driving habits when sharing the road.
Below are 10 essential tips for staying safe while driving near large trucks during winter conditions in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
1. Increase Following Distance
Large trucks take significantly longer to stop, particularly on icy or snow-covered roads. According to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), commercial trucks may require twice as much stopping distance in winter conditions.
Maintain at least 6 to 8 seconds of following distance, and increase this gap during heavy snowfall or icy conditions.
2. Avoid Blind Spots
Large trucks have extensive blind spots, commonly referred to as “No-Zones.” These blind spots exist on both sides, directly behind, and immediately in front of the truck.
In snowy or foggy weather, it becomes even harder for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles. Transport Canada advises that if you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.
Transport trucks have blind spots on both sides, directly behind, and in front of the vehicle.
3. Pass with Caution
When passing a large truck, do so efficiently and safely. Their size can block visibility, and winter weather increases risk.
On New Brunswick’s Route 2 (Trans-Canada Highway), which is known for icy conditions, multiple truck-related collisions are reported each winter. Always signal your intention, pass on the left, and ensure there is sufficient space before merging back in front of the truck.
4. Be Aware of Wide Turns
Large trucks require extra space to turn, especially in urban areas and at intersections. In Nova Scotia, winter accidents frequently occur when trucks make wide right turns.
Trucks may swing into adjacent lanes to complete a turn. Stay back and give them adequate room to maneuver safely.
5. Watch for Snow and Debris Spray
Driving behind a truck in winter can significantly reduce visibility due to snow, slush, and ice spray.
Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and keep washer fluid topped up. Trucks may also kick up road debris, so maintaining greater following distance reduces exposure to hazards.
6. Use Headlights to Increase Visibility
Winter storms in the Maritimes can quickly limit visibility. Always use your headlights, even during daylight hours, so truck drivers can see you clearly.
In Prince Edward Island, approximately 85% of winter truck-related crashes occur during poor visibility conditions, making visibility critical for safety.
7. Prepare for Wind Turbulence
Large trucks create wind turbulence, which can be particularly dangerous during high winds. This effect is amplified on exposed structures like the Confederation Bridge, where winds can reach up to 150 km/h during winter storms.
Hold the steering wheel firmly and maintain steady control when driving near large trucks in windy conditions.
Large trucks create wind turbulence, which can be especially dangerous in high winds.
8. Plan for Longer Stops and Starts
Winter roads reduce traction, and trucks require additional time to brake and accelerate. Avoid pulling in front of a truck and then slowing down, particularly on hills or in heavy traffic.
Winter truck-related accidents often occur when sudden braking leaves insufficient stopping distance on snowy roads.
9. Check Road Conditions Before Traveling
Before embarking on longer trips, check current road conditions.
Services such as 511 New Brunswick and Nova Scotia’s road condition alerts provide real-time updates on weather, closures, and collision reports, helping you plan safer travel routes.
10. Stay Calm Around Truck Convoys
During severe winter storms, trucks may travel in convoys for safety. Avoid attempting to overtake a convoy unless it is clearly safe to do so.
Remain patient and allow trucks to lead through hazardous conditions, as they are typically better equipped to navigate icy roads.
Winter Driving Requires Patience and Awareness
Driving alongside large trucks in Maritime winters can be demanding, especially when road conditions are poor. By increasing following distance, avoiding blind spots, staying visible, and preparing for wind and reduced traction, you can significantly lower your risk of collision.
Winter driving requires patience and caution, particularly when sharing the road with vehicles that need more time and space to operate safely.
If you have been involved in a truck-related accident, consulting a personal injury lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected.
Helping Injured Clients
For over 35 years, CLG Injury Lawyers have helped thousands of injured clients. We fight for your rights to receive the maximum compensation you deserve, providing you the Peace of Mind to focus on your Road to Recovery. Our experienced personal injury lawyers offer a free, no obligation case evaluation. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer.
For more articles and safety tips, visit our blogs page.
How Winter Weather Changes Driving Dynamics with Large Vehicles
Sharing the road with large trucks in the Maritimes during winter can present serious challenges. Icy roads, snow-covered surfaces, and reduced visibility often increase the risk of collisions. Because of their size and weight, large trucks require more time and distance to stop and maneuver, making it critical for drivers to exercise caution.
Across Canada, large truck collisions increase by approximately 30% during the winter months, highlighting the importance of safe driving habits when sharing the road.
Below are 10 essential tips for staying safe while driving near large trucks during winter conditions in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
1. Increase Following Distance
Large trucks take significantly longer to stop, particularly on icy or snow-covered roads. According to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), commercial trucks may require twice as much stopping distance in winter conditions.
Maintain at least 6 to 8 seconds of following distance, and increase this gap during heavy snowfall or icy conditions.
2. Avoid Blind Spots
Large trucks have extensive blind spots, commonly referred to as “No-Zones.” These blind spots exist on both sides, directly behind, and immediately in front of the truck.
In snowy or foggy weather, it becomes even harder for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles. Transport Canada advises that if you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.
Transport trucks have blind spots on both sides, directly behind, and in front of the vehicle.
3. Pass with Caution
When passing a large truck, do so efficiently and safely. Their size can block visibility, and winter weather increases risk.
On New Brunswick’s Route 2 (Trans-Canada Highway), which is known for icy conditions, multiple truck-related collisions are reported each winter. Always signal your intention, pass on the left, and ensure there is sufficient space before merging back in front of the truck.
4. Be Aware of Wide Turns
Large trucks require extra space to turn, especially in urban areas and at intersections. In Nova Scotia, winter accidents frequently occur when trucks make wide right turns.
Trucks may swing into adjacent lanes to complete a turn. Stay back and give them adequate room to maneuver safely.
5. Watch for Snow and Debris Spray
Driving behind a truck in winter can significantly reduce visibility due to snow, slush, and ice spray.
Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and keep washer fluid topped up. Trucks may also kick up road debris, so maintaining greater following distance reduces exposure to hazards.
6. Use Headlights to Increase Visibility
Winter storms in the Maritimes can quickly limit visibility. Always use your headlights, even during daylight hours, so truck drivers can see you clearly.
In Prince Edward Island, approximately 85% of winter truck-related crashes occur during poor visibility conditions, making visibility critical for safety.
7. Prepare for Wind Turbulence
Large trucks create wind turbulence, which can be particularly dangerous during high winds. This effect is amplified on exposed structures like the Confederation Bridge, where winds can reach up to 150 km/h during winter storms.
Hold the steering wheel firmly and maintain steady control when driving near large trucks in windy conditions.
Large trucks create wind turbulence, which can be especially dangerous in high winds.
8. Plan for Longer Stops and Starts
Winter roads reduce traction, and trucks require additional time to brake and accelerate. Avoid pulling in front of a truck and then slowing down, particularly on hills or in heavy traffic.
Winter truck-related accidents often occur when sudden braking leaves insufficient stopping distance on snowy roads.
9. Check Road Conditions Before Traveling
Before embarking on longer trips, check current road conditions.
Services such as 511 New Brunswick and Nova Scotia’s road condition alerts provide real-time updates on weather, closures, and collision reports, helping you plan safer travel routes.
10. Stay Calm Around Truck Convoys
During severe winter storms, trucks may travel in convoys for safety. Avoid attempting to overtake a convoy unless it is clearly safe to do so.
Remain patient and allow trucks to lead through hazardous conditions, as they are typically better equipped to navigate icy roads.
Winter Driving Requires Patience and Awareness
Driving alongside large trucks in Maritime winters can be demanding, especially when road conditions are poor. By increasing following distance, avoiding blind spots, staying visible, and preparing for wind and reduced traction, you can significantly lower your risk of collision.
Winter driving requires patience and caution, particularly when sharing the road with vehicles that need more time and space to operate safely.
If you have been involved in a truck-related accident, consulting a personal injury lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected.
Helping Injured Clients
For over 35 years, CLG Injury Lawyers have helped thousands of injured clients. We fight for your rights to receive the maximum compensation you deserve, providing you the Peace of Mind to focus on your Road to Recovery. Our experienced personal injury lawyers offer a free, no obligation case evaluation. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer.
For more articles and safety tips, visit our blogs page.
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