Autumn, in particular, can bring some challenges that are easy to overlook. The good news is that there are ways to make sure your truck driving is as safe as it can be this fall.
Autumn is officially here. A lot is changing but what isn’t going away is the persistent need for truckers to stay safe when out on the road. Whenever there are seasonal changes, there are also changes to what you need to think about in terms of safety. Autumn, in particular, can bring some challenges that are easy to overlook. The good news is that there are ways to make sure your truck driving is as safe as it can be this fall.
Watch the Weather
During the autumn, you never know what kind of weather you’re going to get. Good truck driving is all about being able to adapt to whatever situation is thrown at you. In the fall, that may mean fog, rain, or high winds. Before you get on the road, look at weather reports and check them any time you take a break from driving. This is important because fall winds can blow leaves across the road and obscure bumps or potholes. Wet leaves can also cause your tires to skid.
Look For Animals
When the leaves start to turn orange, you can be sure that the wildlife is going to notice as well. Deer, moose, elk and all kinds of other creatures are going to be out and about. Pay attention to signage indicating areas with heavy animal presences. Only hit the brakes if you have enough time to do so and maintain control of your truck. Swerving is dangerous as you could flip the vehicle.
Stay Slow
It’s an important reminder but you should always slow down a bit once the weather starts to get colder. Even if you’re within the legal limit, it could be too fast. During the later weeks of autumn, roads in some parts of the country are going to get that early bit of frost that makes it unsafe. When it comes to truck driving, it’s better to play it safe, take your time, and ease off the gas a bit if you’re unsure about the road conditions.
Pay Attention to Sunlight
Remember: days are going to quickly feel much shorter. That means your visibility is going to go down, which creates a bigger risk for accidents. Make sure all of your lights work before you start driving. Take your time: you can increase your following distance and pass over slowly once it starts to get dark out.
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