This summer has been a real scorcher all across the nation, leading to droughts and record-breaking temperatures. You may think winter is the only season that presents safety concerns for truckers, but summer comes with its own set of challenges when you’re on the road.
From avoiding summer road construction to simply staying hydrated; here are some helpful summer safety tips to keep in mind to beat the heat and stay safe while driving your next route:
- Be cognizant of construction– Take a look at the DOT (Department of Transportation) website for each state you’ll be driving through for your route. This will help you prep for any road construction, allowing you to prepare ahead of time or find an alternative route.
- Be prepared for heavy traffic – Summer is a popular time for people to take long-awaited road trips or vacations, so the highways will likely be more crowded than average. Using a good GPS will help assist you with this, some can alert you when you’re approaching heavy traffic, traffic jams, or of upcoming car accidents. Remember to be patient and don’t rush just to reach your destination on time, safety is a top priority.
- Check your tires and brakes- Summer heat can result to loss of friction when the break parts can’t absorb any more heat. Higher outdoor temperatures can also increase your chances of a tire blowing out, especially if they’re under-inflated. In other words, always be sure to check on these two things before hitting the road in warmer weather.
- Keep an eye on your coolant – The last thing you want is for your A/C to go out when you’re driving your truck in scorching temperatures. So take a look at your coolant and test out your truck’s A/C before hitting the road.
- Take care of yourself, bring summer essentials- When you’re driving in the summer you’re likely going to have the sun blaring through your semi-truck’s windshield. Bring a good pair of sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin. Water is also an essential to have on hand during the heat, higher temps lead to a higher likelihood of dehydration. Taking care of yourself while on the road ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Though some of these tips may seem like common-sense, it can be easy to miss something when you’re rushing to reach your next destination. Be thorough and create a check-list using these tips as a guide to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of others, while on the road.
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