Tips for Trucking in the Summer

We’re right in the middle of summer, which is one of the busiest times of year for road trips and travel. Just as regular drivers need to prepare for their summer road trips, truckers need to prepare for the unique elements associated with trucking travel in the summer.

There are a variety of issues truckers must prepare themselves for in the summertime, including extra safety precautions they’ll need to take when they’re out on the road. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for trucking in the summer in Wytheville, VA:

• Sunscreen: It’s a good idea to wear sunscreen while behind the wheel. Even though you’re inside, you’re still not going to be entirely protected from the sun’s rays. When they come through the driver’s side window, you can still get a sunburn, unless you have appropriate window tinting. Wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and long sleeve shirts, all of which can help protect you against the sun.
• Hydration: Though your cab is air conditioned, you can still get dehydrated while on the road, and it will happen faster in hot weather, when you’ll be loading and unloading in warm, uncomfortable conditions. You should keep bottles of water on hand at all times. Try to get the equivalent of about eight glasses of water every day. This may result in needing to make a couple more stops than you would prefer in order to use the restroom, but it’s worth it to make sure you’re staying healthy, alert and capable of concentrating on the road.
• Prepare for crowded roads: There are going to be more drivers on the road during the summer, as people are enjoying spending more time outside and will be going on road trips. The presence of more drivers means more potential hazards, so make sure you watch out for the other drivers on the road and are aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Tire inflation: Tire blowouts are more likely to occur as the weather warms up. You can help prevent blowouts by making sure the tires are inflated properly and by inspecting their condition before you go out on a trip.
• Watch for work zones: Summer is also the season for increased road construction. There are going to be more work zones on the highways than usual, so you need to take extra precautions when passing through a work zone. Reduce your speed—not only is this respectful and safe for the workers there, but it will also help you avoid elevated fines and penalties for speeding in work zones.
• Track the weather: Storms can pop up seemingly out of nowhere during the summer months, so make sure you’re tracking the weather on your phone and using the radar to see if there’s anything coming your way. You can also have the radio on to listen to weather reports while you’re actually out driving.

In need of more trips for trucking travel in the summer in Wytheville, VA? Contact the team at Complete Truck Service, Inc. today with any questions.

Categorised in: Trucking Tips

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