Do you know what it is like to drive in unpredictable weather? Truck drivers are driving day and night without caring for the mother nature patterns. They do not let rain, fog, snow, sun, or ice delay deliveries because they are used to the nature of the job.
Even though truck manufacturing has improved significantly, weather can take a toll on the human driver. Therefore, experienced and novice individuals must practice the following safety tips for truck drivers. They are very helpful in larger cities where traffic jams are everyone’s bitter reality.
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Expert Summer Driving Safety Tips for Truck Drivers
The summer is on the way, and you will be facing the scorching sun while driving. Therefore, truck drivers need to make a lot of adjustments to drive safely. Here are a few:
Apply Sunscreen
Summer driving safety tips for truck drivers begin by learning the use of sunscreen. If you are not using sunscreen, the sun will harm the face, arms, and anywhere else the skin is exposed. It can lead to burns and even skin cancer. The sun is severely compromising their immune system because the rays are entering through the window. Wear sunglasses, a hat, and long sleeves.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration leads to exhaustion and dizziness. Therefore, one of the ways to stay awake while driving at night in the summer is to stay hydrated. Driving a large vehicle is impressive until the sun extracts all the energy. You can have a cup of water next to you to stay hydrated. You can purchase a bottle with motivational quotes to maintain excellent hydration levels. Drinking fresh juices and electrolytes works as well.
Keep an Eye Out for Tourists
If you are driving a truck during the summertime, you will notice a lot of RVs and remote homes. Summer is a time when everyone is traveling with their friends and families to explore the outdoors. Therefore, look out for foreign nameplates. Unfortunately, trucking driving on tough roads increases the risk of accidents. Noting down every detail will help you settle a car accident claim without a lawyer.
Practice Caution in Construction Zones
Many companies hire construction crews for new or existing projects during the summer. Therefore, stay away from a construction zone because it involves the risk of falling debris and broken roads. If the truck driver does not comply, they are charged with double fines and aggressive violations. Truck drivers are encouraged to adopt an alternative route.
What Does the Weather Forecast Say?
One of the best safety tips for truck drivers during the warm months is to know the future weather because it is very unpredictable. Rain storms with lightning fill the sky within seconds. The driving becomes unsafe for the driver and the crew. You can use your mobile phone to know about the weather because hitting the road.
Ensure the Brakes Are Working
Summertime is a busy time for tourists, localists, and drivers. Therefore, truck drivers use brakes frequently during traffic jams or overtaking vehicles. Furthermore, increased temperature causes the brake friction to fade away. Before heading out for each delivery, remember to inspect the brakes.
The Best Winter Weather Driving Safety Tips for Truck Drivers
Pick a Route Free From Elevated Surfaces
Winter safety tips for truck drivers include watching out for bridges. The driver must also inspect the route for overpasses and other raised surfaces. This is because they freeze a lot quicker than roads if they are not salted. The drivers must operate huge vehicles carefully because they can spin uncontrollably over ice.
Keep More Distance From Other Cars
One of the most practiced winter-weather driving safety tips for truck drivers is maintaining a safe distance from the vehicles at the front. Brakes take a longer time to apply in the winter. Moreover, the breaks are complicated to maneuver because of the unexpected weather. It is the best strategy to avoid accidents.
Also Read: How To Prove You Are Not at Fault in A Car Accident?
Keep the Speed to a Minimum
You can avoid car accidents or slippery roads altogether if you drive slowly. It gives the drivers more time to reach the events. Vehicles are prone to hydroplaning, a concept that involves tires losing their grip on the surface. The truck drives on thin water film that is present on the road. The large vehicle used for transportation can topple over and cause injuries.
Avoid Black Ice
Winter and fall safety tips for truck drivers continue by talking about black ice. It is an intense layer of ice that makes the road appear wet. However, in reality, the road is very slippery. Truck drivers can identify the layer of black ice with the spray of the vehicles ahead. Another indicator of black ice is the frosting of mirrors and antennae. Black ice is more dangerous than freshly fallen snow or ice, so keep that in mind.
Drive With Proper Equipment
The list of winter driving tips for truck drivers concludes with carrying weather-appropriate gear. Cold nights and gloomy days need complementary equipment to make driving easier. Consider the following:
- Carry additional layers of clothing for insulation.
- Gloves so the fingers do not go numb. It keeps the fingers from swelling.
- A flashlight to navigate nights and fix the engine.
- Rain gear so you do not become wet during a storm.
- Windshield fluid to prevent the glass from frosting. You need a clear vision!
- Blankets if the truck breaks down in a remote spot. Rest and search for help in the morning!
- A bag of sand or salt to prevent the truck from slipping.
- Tire chains so another vehicle can push the truck if it is unfixable.
- Jumper cables to jump-start the truck.
- Lastly, snow scrapers and brushes so the truck is not drowned by ice.
Drive Safely!
The truck drivers will tell you each safety tip counts because they want to make it safely to their friends and family after each shift. You can encourage everyone to practice the winter and summer safety driving tips regardless of the scale of the vehicle. Lastly, read the texts during breaks because those few seconds are very valuable.