Truck Drivers are being extra cautious as the ice and snow becomes a problem they can’t avoid
COBURG, Ore — It’s not easy driving in severe winter weather conditions, and according to truck drivers, carrying giant loads of cargo in the inclement weather is one of the hardest tasks of them all. Some truck drivers, like Michael Jones, gather at Coburg Crossing Café to wait out the ice and snow.
“I have a pickup in town just down the road. I’m picking up some Bobcat machines, and I actually came in from Bend,” Jones said.
As a 20 year truck driver, Jones knows what it’s like driving in cold and wet conditions. He said it’s a tough, stressful, and time consuming task, and other drivers out on the road don’t make it easier for truckers. Visibility is not great, and other drivers sometimes go too fast or don’t have their lights on.
Jones said, even in normal conditions, trucks can’t stop on a dime. The winter weather only makes stopping harder. Even the lightest tap on the brakes can cause a chain reaction. Jones hopes not too many people are out on the roads, but if they have to, he warns them to be cautious.
He said, “Just take your time, if you don’t feel comfortable going, pull over and park. It’s safer than causing thousands and thousands in damage on your truck, or a life.”
The principal thing truck drivers, like Jones, ask from non-truck drivers is to give them space. He said safety is always their top priority when out on the road.
“Just give us space and give us some breathing room when we’re trying to make it home back to our family,” said Jones.
Jones plans to stay put in Coburg until Monday morning.
Other truck drivers, like Dennis Ruiz, driver for 30 years, have seen a fair share of accidents caused by winter conditions. Some of the accidents Ruiz has seen have been fatal. His advice to people is simple: don’t drive unless you absolutely need to, it’s not worth it.
“It is crazy, I mean cars, trucks, buses, RVs hitting each other on the freeway. It’s like an unstoppable force,” said Ruiz.
He also plans to stay put until the weather conditions get better.
“Me, I’m going to stay here. I already spoke with the broker. I told him I’m not moving, for me it’s better safe than sorry,” Ruiz said.
He said, if the conditions allow it, on Monday he’ll get his cargo and take off. In the meantime, he urges drivers to be vigilant and careful.
“Be safe out there. Do not challenge the weather. I mean, mother nature is undefeated,” Ruiz said.
Julio Mora Rodriguez joined the KEZI 9 News team in October of 2022 as a news reporter. If you have any story ideas, you can email Julio at [email protected].
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