It’s officially summertime! The hot sun, triple-digit temperatures, BBQs, pool time, and of course lots of road time as usual. The contemporary supply chain would not function without truck drivers. That may be a bit of trucker sarcasm, but the truth remains.
Driving hundreds of miles a day is a way of life for truckers. He or she is responsible for transporting goods to their destinations on time. As a result, they often lack many of the conveniences we take for granted. Things like working in an air-conditioned workplace during the sweltering summer months.
If you’re a trucker and out there driving hundreds of miles per day, take a second and hopefully these tips will help make your daily commute a bit smoother.
Tip #1: H2O Is a Must During Hot Months
If you’re looking for online summer safety tips, hydration is likely to be the most important one of all.
Most modern commercial trucks have air conditioning or fans to keep their occupants cool, but humidity still remains a problem. Humans are more likely to be concerned about dry heat than humid circumstances. Therefore this is often disregarded.
Humidity, on the other hand, can cause you to overheat to the point of dehydration.
In other parts of the country, even the most experienced drivers might be affected by high humidity. Despite the fact that drivers on the West Coast deal with extreme temperatures. Perspiration is accelerated in hot and humid conditions. When you perspire, your body loses not only water but also electrolytes that are crucial for being alert and focused on the road.
Having at least one gallon of fresh water on hand while driving a commercial truck in the heat is a must. Drinks high in electrolytes, on the other hand, are a no-brainer as well!
Tip #2: Have Some Sun Blockage/Sunscreen Handy
Most truckers are aware that the sun isn’t always on their side. Trucks can easily overheat their cabs due to heated concrete or asphalt beneath them. In addition, there is the issue of visibility.
Other than that, the 12 hours of continuous sunlight can have a considerable effect on the driver’s well-being.
Getting a sunburn can happen even if your windows are closed and your air conditioner is running at full blast. For those of us who rarely drive for more than an hour at a time, it may seem improbable. A long-distance truck driver is likely to have a story or two to tell about sunburns.
This risk can be minimized significantly by keeping a high-SPF sunscreen in the truck’s cabin!
Tip #3: Equip Yourself With Eye Protection
One of the main annoyances for most truck drivers is the sun’s glare. Regardless of the season, this is a common occurrence. It’s just that in the heat, it’s more of a danger.
Having the appropriate shades, however, can greatly lessen the amount of glare!
Visible glare from other cars, aquatic bodies, and even the road can hurt your eyes far more quickly than direct sunshine. This, of course, increases the likelihood of falling asleep.
Anyone who must drive during the day should wear polarized sunglasses with good UV protection to help lessen this risk.
Tip #4: Rest, Sleep, or Take Frequent Breaks
When it’s hot outside, it’s tempting to speed up the pace of your driving.
Although it is important to take regular rests as a driver. Your attention to detail will deteriorate if you do not. An accident due to weariness is far more likely when this occurs. This is significantly simpler for LTL carriers, especially if they have a few
stops to fulfill.
The key for FTL carriers is to locate a few minutes of downtime on long voyages. Taking a five-minute walk around the block may be all you need to stay alert.
Tip #5: Pay Attention to Weather Conditions
Up until now, we have been focusing on the heat, but along with the heat, summer also brings violent thunderstorms and tornadoes across a large portion of the country. It’s possible for roads to get flooded in some isolated areas. There are times when visibility is completely lost. Extremely high gusts of wind can sometimes be experienced. Keep an eye on the forecast, be aware of what’s coming, and be prepared to pull over and wait out the storm if conditions become too hazardous to continue driving.
Tip #6: Don’t Miss Those Inspections
The risk of a mechanical component failing increases as the temperature continues to climb. As a result, the Department of Transportation as well as other authorities associated to carriers urge and mandate that all CDL drivers complete a before and post trip examination.
Having said that, it is the obligation of the driver to know what to look out for specifically during the summer season. The components of your truck could have mechanical problems if the temperature is really high. The quality of your vehicle’s tires and brakes, as well as the level of engine fluid, are three aspects of the pre and post inspection that are quite important.
Conclusion
The summer and hot months are extremely adventurous for truckers. Extreme heat and triple-digit temperatures can make a trucker’s job quite challenging. Whether you are on a short or long trip, it’s important to have a diligent process and precautions in place to help you keep on truckin’.
Make sure to hydrate. Frequently. Including an intake of electrolytes to help you stay as hydrated as possible. Use that sunscreen frequently. Nobody likes a farmer’s tan or the possibility of getting skin cancer. Wear them shades when necessary to protect your eyes and have thorough visibility. Rest when tired. It will help you be more productive and efficient simultaneously. Keep an eye on weather conditions. Ensure that your truck is inspected thoroughly post-trips.
Are you a truck driver looking for a company that will not treat you like a number? Do you want to be a part of a family instead of a company that treats you like a notch on the belt? We are always looking for self-motivated, driven, and energetic people to join our family. Reach out to us at (909) 746-0370 or by email at: recruiting@scetrans.com. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
