Ballpark franks, popsicles, lemonade and backyard cookouts – the summertime is well underway! Summer also brings road construction, the hot sun, and an abundance of campers clogging the highways. While we’d rather focus on the summer fun, it’s important to recognize the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the 100 most dangerous days on America’s roadways. .
The most apparent danger for commercial truck drivers during the summer months is a drastic increase in the amount of other vehicles on the road. Statistically, there are more drivers on the road during the summer than any other season. Vacation goers, holiday travelers, and inexperienced teen drivers out for summer vacation all add to the road way congestion. As such, truck drivers need to be extra aware of their surroundings.
It may be worth noting here, that all commercial truck drivers need to be protected by their employers via a workers’ compensation insurance so that they have a fallback in case of any injuries or accidents on the road. Commercial Insurance in Pleasantville NJ as well as other cities across the USA often provides adequate coverage for workers depending on the plan selected, and the insurance company can offer advice on risk management issues that need to be tackled before truckers set off for their long haul.
In addition to more cars on the highways, additional construction zones pop up on every major roadway, reducing the amount of roadway for the increase in capacity. A good thing to do is check the status of the roads you will be traveling on. Many states across the nation have websites that update on their construction areas and lane closures. Drivers should use this tool to their advantage and plan for possible dangers or delays in the areas they are traveling. Making a plan, being aware of areas where extra precautions should be taken, following posted signs, and maintaining your lane at a safe speed and distance are important safety strategies for a professional driver. In the modern era, most light commercial trucks, for example, are installed with a range of safety features by the sellers at the time of purchase. In order to ensure truck safety and driver safety, governments tend to set up rigorous regulatory compliances for truck manufacturers and dealers to follow.
Truck fuel consumption and maintenance are also important factors in safe summer driving. For fuel savings, it is recommended to have a fuel card or switch to electric vehicles by conferring with ev consultants. Additionally, commercial drivers need to keep up with their daily inspections as well as make sure the general maintenance is routinely completed on their trucks. A couple of basic, but often forgotten about items, are proper tire pressure and a clean windshield.
Fluctuating temperatures during the summer can cause changes in tire pressure. The proper tire pressure is essential for the safe and efficient operation of the truck. A clean windshield, inside and out, reduces the sun’s glare that can cause additional blind spots for drivers if the windshield is kept clean. Also, drivers must keep an eye on the condition of the truck’s brakes. Additional heat during the summer time can cause a loss of friction due to brake components not being able to absorb anymore heat.
Last but not least, drivers need to take care of themselves. One of the ways they can do this is staying hydrated. The risk of dehydration increases during the heat of the day, and a driver that is dehydrated is less focused and healthy. While on the road during long, hot days, drivers should drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water since they will need more than just the air conditioner to keep them cool. Commercial drivers should also be aware that, even while being inside the truck, they are still exposed to the sun’s rays. If the sun is shining bright, drivers should have sunscreen to put on any skin that is exposed to the sun. Nothing is more uncomfortable than driving for hours with a horrible sunburn.
Summer and winter each have their own safety concerns. It is always best to be aware of all safety issues no matter the season. The most important safety tip for drivers is being aware and acting on their awareness. If drivers are aware of their surroundings (other drivers, weather, road conditions, maintenance, and construction zones) they will return to their home & families safely each week.