Truck drivers who have been shuttling on mountainous roads for years all have a deep understanding: the winding mountain roads are full of hidden dangers, the changeable weather tests the condition of the vehicle at any time, and every turn may miss an accident.
How can we hold the bottom line of safety in the lofty mountains and deep valleys?
Vehicle condition inspection
Driving in mountainous areas has strict requirements for vehicle performance. Before setting out, three core tests must be completed:
Braking system
Pneumatic brake vehicles need to drain the water in the air tank every day. When the brake pads are too thin, they must be replaced. It is recommended to carry an infrared thermometer in the vehicle to check the temperature of the brake drum in time after a long downhill run to avoid brake failure caused by high temperature.
Tire condition
Tires with a tread depth of less than 3 millimeters have a 40% reduction in grip on slippery mountain roads. Timely inspection should be carried out.
Light wiper
Mountain tunnel clusters and foggy sections are very common. The penetration of fog lights must be guaranteed to be above 50 meters. Aging of the wiper rubber strip will lead to a decrease in visibility.
Climbing skills
It is recommended to maintain the engine speed within a certain economic range. Do not turn off the engine directly when it overheats; instead, let it idle to cool down.
Respond to the climate in a timely manner
In foggy weather, turn on the combination of fog lights, low beam headlights and hazard lights, and keep the vehicle speed within 30km/h. On icy and snowy roads, anti-skid chains should be installed in pairs, and the gap between the chain and the tire should be maintained at 3 to 5 millimeters. During the rainy season, it is even more important to pay attention to the "wet and dry line" phenomenon - the first rain after a long drought can cause the oil stains on the road surface to float up, forming a dangerous oil film.
When meeting oncoming vehicles on a curve, it is necessary to make a spatial prediction in advance
Keep a safe distance when passing through hairpin bends. When making blind turns, one must adhere to the "three no's" principle: no overtaking, no crossing the line, and no rushing ahead.
Be vigilant against fatigue
The oxygen content in plateau mountainous areas is lower than that in plains. It is recommended to take reasonable breaks after driving for a period of time. Studies show that continuous driving can lead to an increase in the driver's reaction speed and judgment error rate. You can prepare mint oil, lemon slices and other refreshing items to ensure sufficient and reasonable rest time.