Drivers of vehicles with air brakes must take care to protect their air supply in freezing weather. Brake line freeze can be annoying and dangerous. Many newer trucks are equipped with synthetic air lines, so the old solution of melting the ice with a fusee or torch is no longer a quick solution. If the vehicle is not equipped with an air dryer or other means of automatically expelling water and other contaminants from the air tanks, the driver must take the time to manually drain the air tanks every day. The lighting systems of vehicles become especially important during the winter months.
Nights are longer and visibility is often reduced by bad weather.
Electrical systems are winter-sensitive. Approximately 80 percent of all light bulb failure is due to environmental reasons. Drivers must inspect their lights more often during the winter and clean them when necessary so they can see and be seen by other highway users. Foul weather driving is much more strenuous. Drivers need proper rest before every trip, and while in route, fresh air helps keep drivers alert.