With wide-ranging severe weather looming, a look back at Ryder’s weather survival checklist for truckers

Editor’s note: Ryder produced this list last year as a quick punch list for fleets and truck operators handling severe winter weather conditions. As winter storm Jonas prepares to bring an onslaught of severe winter weather conditions throughout the next few days, here’s another look at Ryder’s list.

To prepare for winter weather driving conditions, Ryder System says it’s crucial to for drivers to equip their vehicles with a variety of survival, safety and maintenance items. Many of these are materials that you may already have on hand or are easy to find.  With a little bit of effort, vehicles can be stocked up, making a huge impact on winter driving safety.

Be sure your drivers have on-hand the following items:

• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Cell phone power charger and external batteries
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags
• Matches
• Extra set of mittens, socks and hats, gloves and winter jacket
• Rain gear
• Small sack of sand to aid tire traction
• Small shovel
• Set of tools: pliers, wrench, screwdriver
• Booster cables
• Tire chains or traction mats
• Canned fruit and nuts
• Manual can opener
• Bottled water