Summertime trucking puts drivers and their vehicles in pretty challenging circumstances due to the environment. Still, the deliveries need to be made, and drivers need to get there swiftly yet safely.
Winter and cold weather truck driving can get quite difficult and dangerous, yet the summer and heat aren’t so forgiving on truck drivers either. Summertime trucking puts drivers and their vehicles in pretty challenging circumstances due to the environment. Still, the deliveries need to be made, and drivers need to get there swiftly yet safely. Keep these summertime trucking tips in mind as we head into the sweltering season.
Bring Along Sun Protection
Summer sun feels great in small doses, but as a trucker, you can be exposed to the sun’s rays at all times throughout the year. During summertime trucking, those rays feel even more intense. It’s an unfortunate reality that truck drivers are more at risk for developing skin cancer because of all the sun exposure. Be sure to have proper sun protection on hand to combat this. Some items to have in stock are sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light long-sleeved shirts to shield yourself from the sun.
Drink Water and Stay Hydrated
Water should be another one of those essential items you should have in your cab at all times. Staying cool in the summer requires more than blasting the air conditioner. You should be sipping water frequently to stay hydrated all throughout the year, but especially during the summertime! Don’t wait until you feel thirsty or start showing the first signs of heatstroke.
Mind the Weather Forecast
The summertime brings hurricane season to the Mid-Atlantic region, plus severe summer storms to other areas. Driving in the rain can already be pretty dangerous without exercising enough caution, so a heavy storm may make road conditions completely undrivable. Take the weather into account when planning your schedule and route for deliveries. Flash flood warnings or other vehicle accidents can close down roads and force you to find alternate routes.
Check on How The Heat is Affecting Your Truck
Summertime trucking can cause heat-related problems to your commercial vehicle, so it’s good practice to check on your truck’s condition periodically. The heat and scorching hot roads can cause your tire pressure to change. Making sure your tires are in good condition is critical to road safety and vehicle longevity. Other truck components can get damaged or fail from extreme heat too. You may already know about the dangers of your engine overheating, but brakes that fail to dissipate heat can become unpredictable or stop working altogether over time.
For All Your Trucking Needs
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