Remember these essential summer safety tips for truck drivers when on the roads this season.
During the summer, when days are longer, it can feel like you have all the hours you need on the road. It may be a long haul, but there’s definitely enough daylight to get it done. But just because there are more hours of daylight, doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of dangers. Trucking professionals have a lot of things to focus on to keep everyone safe, from the safety of your rig to your focus on the road. This is especially true since summer also means more private vehicles clogging up the roads. Regardless of the time of year, safety has to be a priority for truckers. Read on for some important summer safety tips for truck drivers. And stay safe out there!
Check Your Tires And Brakes
You already know all about the importance of maintaining your rig, but in the summer months, the tires and brakes need a little extra attention. High temps can lead to a loss of friction on your breaks. Those same high temps also lead to an increased risk of blowouts (especially if your tire pressure was low during the winter).
Hydrate!
It is tempting when you know that you’re going to be on the road for a while to not drink or at least to not drink as much, so that you don’t have to make extra pit stops. Keep water with you in your truck and drink during the day. Dehydration can lead to lightheadedness and confusion. If possible, try to limit your sun exposure as well, since prolonged heat and sun exposure can make dehydration worse. Additionally, remember that caffeine dehydrates you, so coffee is not a substitute for water.
Watch For Crowded Roads
Depending on where you’re driving, the summer might mean a lot more crowded roads. In some areas, the summer months actually lead to less traffic, since the normal commuter traffic, especially around schools, is less or even non-existent as people are on vacation. In other areas, however, the summer means more traffic – sometimes a lot more. In tourist areas, and around bridges and tunnels that connect to summer destinations, traffic can become a snarled nightmare very quickly and lead to backups that last hours. Know your route and research the ways that the seasons change it. If possible, avoid the areas where vacationers and tourists will muck up the roads – especially since most of them might be unfamiliar with the areas, making them very erratic on the roads at times.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.