If you live and work in Galicia, you will be more than accustomed to bad weather, with constant rainfall and gusts of wind that show little respect for our umbrellas. However, the weather in recent months has been particularly intense. Continuous storms and gales make our work as logistics operators difficult. That is why our carriers must adapt to the circumstances and exercise the utmost caution in order to ensure safe driving and deliveries and collections that are as efficient as ever.
It is important to take into account the specific characteristics of road freight transport lorries. Due to their large volume and the load they carry, the recommendations for car drivers are insufficient. Lorries react differently to adverse weather conditions, so the measures we take as professionals in the sector are very strict.
Nor can we forget that we are not the only transport sector affected by bad weather. In fact, our activity as a road transport company influences rail, air and even sea transport, and vice versa. This is why, in view of the incidents caused by the weather on the rail network, many of its goods have been transferred to road hauliers in order to complete deliveries. This increases our workload, yes, but it also makes it more important to comply with all the necessary safety measures so as not to interrupt the logistics chain.
That is why, at Conde Fernández Hermanos, we share our recommendations with transport companies in the sector so that their road journeys are as safe as possible.
1. Check everything before setting off
Although it is necessary and mandatory to carry out regular checks and maintenance tasks, it is perhaps even more important during these weeks, when aspects such as the condition of the truck’s tyres can mean the difference between safe driving and an accident. In addition to the wheels, the condition of the brakes and lights also has a major influence on how we perform behind the wheel in bad weather. Remember that when the road is wet, a lorry’s braking time and distance can increase by 20 to 40%.
Apart from the condition of the vehicle, it is also important to check the weather forecast and plan the transport route accordingly. Nowadays, GPS systems offer comprehensive, real-time information on weather and traffic density, as well as rush hours and any disruptions that may have occurred throughout the day. If possible, it is always advisable to take alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion, but the situation on each road must be taken into account.
Due to storms and gales, it is common for branches, logs and even landslides to partially or completely block some roads, and these are unforeseen events that must be taken into account when planning your route. In these cases, in addition to the information provided by your GPS, it is also advisable to check the warnings and notifications issued by the DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority).
2. Attention, moderation and caution: the keys to driving in the rain on the motorway
Heavy rainfall and gusts of wind increase unpredictability on the road. Under these conditions, drivers cannot afford to be overconfident, but must exercise the utmost caution at the wheel. This is the bare minimum even on the calmest, sunniest day, but in storms and gales we must sharpen our senses and avoid distractions. Of course, we must also signal any manoeuvre we make. Anything that helps other drivers anticipate and understand our driving helps us to significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
It is true that not everything depends on us, as the condition of the road also has an influence. Not all roads are kept in good condition, so depending on the amount of rain that has fallen, puddles may form, causing instances of aquaplaning. It is true that passenger cars are more likely to suffer from this, as the greater weight of a lorry gives it better grip, preventing wheel slip. However, lorries are not immune to aquaplaning, and when they do suffer from it, the danger is much greater, as it is more difficult to regain control of such a large vehicle.
In cases like this, the correct thing to do is to take your foot off the accelerator and avoid braking as much as possible, keeping the steering wheel straight until the lorry regains traction on the road surface. Of course, speed is a key factor in this situation, and indeed in any situation involving rain. Above all, use the accelerator pedal with moderation!
3. Carry all necessary emergency equipment in your vehicle
Although it may sound pessimistic, the reality is that the risk of having an accident while driving never completely disappears. This is even more true for transporters who travel long distances. Therefore, it is not enough to know how to prevent accidents; we must also be prepared to react correctly and safely to any unforeseen event or emergency that may occur during the journey. This is the case, for example, with the recent V16 beacon, which is mandatory even for lorry drivers.
As this is a recently implemented measure, some workers may still use triangles to signal an accident or breakdown. Placing triangles poses a risk to the person, so the use of beacons is much more advisable, as it is not necessary to get out of the vehicle to place them. In the case of lorries, the V16 beacon must be placed on the side of the door, using the appropriate adapter. If, even so, it is necessary to get out of the lorry, remember that reflective vests are still mandatory.
Similarly, we must also be prepared for driving in snow. For a logistics operator like ours, which ships to domestic and international destinations, it is common to encounter all kinds of weather conditions. If driving in rain already carries its risks, doing so in snow and ice is even more dangerous due to the poor grip of the tyres on the road surface. That is why it is important for all trucks in the fleet to have chains. Ideally, if we are going to start a route where we know there will be ice or snow, then the truck should be equipped with winter tyres for greater safety.
4. When faced with bad weather, stay calm and be patient!
Rain, snowfall, frost and strong gusts of wind not only affect the condition of the road network and vehicles, but also our mental health. Bad weather increases our stress levels and can even cause fatigue and a lack of energy. There is a scientific explanation for this: due to the lack of natural light, people experience changes in their serotonin and melatonin levels. For transport operators and other drivers, this has a direct impact on their driving, sometimes causing a lack of concentration and irritability that can be fatal on the road.
Given that we have had several weeks of bad weather in a row, you have probably noticed these changes in yourself. Under these circumstances, all we can do is make a little effort when we are behind the wheel, staying calm in the face of any unforeseen events. Similarly, make sure you get as much rest as possible and take the necessary breaks during your journey.
As we cannot force the sun to come out again, we will have to be patient while the rains last. But, as logistics operators, at Conde we are more than used to delivering our goods wherever they are needed, come rain, thunder or lightning. In situations like this, where storms and gales affect other transport sectors, our services are more essential than ever, and we guarantee successful deliveries with the greatest possible speed.
We operate in the road freight transport sector, covering both domestic and international routes and providing our customers with logistics solutions for warehousing and distribution.
