Summer truck driving has its own unique challenges that differ from the other seasons. Use the following tips to make the most of the season and be a successful truck driver in the summer.
Protect your rig
As an employee or independent truck driver, protecting your vehicle should be your highest priority. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Tires: Due to the higher temperatures of summer, tire blowouts are more likely to occur. Be sure to check your tires before each trip to make sure they are properly inflated.
- Brakes: Higher temperatures can also affect brake functioning. To make sure everything is working properly, check your brakes before each drive.
- Engine cooling: Check your engine cooling system before each trip to prevent overheating.
- Batteries: Check your batteries for corrosion to make sure they are in good shape before you hit the road.
- Belts and hoses: Severe temperatures can be harsh on these components. Inspect belts and hoses before each drive.
Protect yourself
Of course, your own safety and wellbeing are as important as that of your truck. Here are some great self-care suggestions for truckers:
- Exposure: Summer truck driving requires several hours on the road each day. This means a lot of exposure to the sun. Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and wear long sleeves to protect yourself from this exposure.
- Sleep: More hours of daylight may tempt drivers to get less sleep. However, it’s important to get at least seven hours of sleep each night for safe summer truck driving.
- Glare: With the extra daylight also comes more road glare. Keep a pair of sunglasses handy at all times to protect yourself from road glare, which can reduce visibility and increase driver fatigue.
- Weather: In some areas, summer brings with it tornadoes and hurricanes. Check weather conditions for your route before you leave, and continue to check for abrupt changes in conditions that often occur during summer. Set your phone for emergency notifications, so you are always informed if severe weather approaches and you can adjust your route accordingly to stay safe.
- Cooling: You don’t want to be caught on a long haul in 90-degree weather without air conditioning. Inspect and maintain this system to make sure it runs smoothly for each trip.
Protect others
Finally, keep in mind that you’re sharing the road with countless other drivers. Here are some factors to take into account to ensure everyone stays safe:
- Congestion: Be aware that roads tend to be more crowded in the summer than other seasons. Remain extra alert of other vehicles, keeping in mind that many drivers don’t allow trucks the proper passing space. Also, try to avoid driving during the busiest times, such as weekends and holidays.
- Construction: Summer is the season for construction. Be aware that you’re likely to encounter a lot of construction on the road during this season. Remain alert for workers on the road, sudden stops and lane changes to prevent accidents and injuries.
We value driver safety
At Energy Trucking, we pay special attention to the safety of our drivers. We want each one to be a successful truck driver in the summer. We know that our drivers are valuable assets, and we treat them with the dignity, honor and respect they deserve. To learn more about how we value our drivers or to get more tips for safe summer driving, contact our team. Reach us today at 740-240-2204 with any questions.