Summertime Driving Tips

Truck drivers are a crucial component in every business sector. Without truck drivers, entire sectors would grind to a halt. For instance, without these professionals, there wouldn’t be enough food supplies in grocery stores or enough medicine in hospitals.

Furthermore, truck drivers are the link between businesses in different states. They are always on the go and also keep the economy healthy.

Being a truck driver in the U.S. comes with its own set of risks. If you’re interested in driving long distances or if you’re already a long-haul driver, the summertime driving tips below will get you to your destination safely every time.

When the Weather Heats Up, Plan Every Trip

When driving in extreme heat, it’s crucial not to take any risks. Instead, make it a habit to plan your itinerary meticulously. Identify all the pit stops along the way where you can conveniently replenish your supplies of water and food. This becomes even more vital if you’re traversing an unfamiliar route through scorching states like Florida and Texas.

It’s also important to plan for frequent breaks during your trip. It’s easy to become less alert in scorching weather, so take the time to stop and walk around a bit every few hours.

Stock Up on Water and Buy Drinks High in Electrolytes

Hot and humid weather leads to excessive sweating, which can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful. Before you start any trip, ensure you have stocked enough water in the truck for the entire distance. Whenever you stop to rest, buy drinks that contain electrolytes.

Being hydrated and replenishing lost electrolytes will keep you sharp and focused on the long journey ahead.

Don’t Forget Your Sunglasses and Sunblock

Most likely, you roll down the windows when it’s hot outside. However, doing so can result in a painful sunburn. To prevent this issue, it’s advisable to apply sunblock for protection.

It is crucial to always apply sunblock, regardless of whether you keep the windows up and the air conditioner running. Additionally, consider investing in high quality sunglasses to shield your eyes from glare, particularly during sunrise and sunset.

Summertime Brings Intense Storms – Be Prepared

The hotter it gets during the summer, the higher the chance of intense thunderstorms. If it starts raining hard, your truck is more likely to skid on the road. Should this happen, don’t give in to the urge to hit the brakes. Instead, steer straight in the direction the truck skids. Take your feet off the pedals and allow the truck to slow down.

If you see flooded areas on the road, stop if you can, and wait until the water recedes or until emergency services clear the road. The size of a long-haul truck doesn’t make it harder to be swept away by high flood waters.

The same goes for thick fog; don’t try to drive through it. Wait until most of it dissipates before attempting to continue your trip. Keep your lights and defrosters on.

Inspect Your Truck Before Going on Any Trips

The last thing you want to do is get stuck on the road in the middle of nowhere, in the heat, or in a storm. Before you set off on a trip, be sure to inspect your tires and brakes. If anything isn’t working as it should, have the truck undergo maintenance and repair before driving anywhere.