Summer means warmer sunshine and, hopefully, a lot more fun. Since you’re a driver, you might find yourself on the road a lot over the summer. However, these tips for driving in the summer months will help to ensure you arrive at your destination safely and keep you healthy.
Have Some Sun Protection
Sun protection is not just for those hanging out outside. You might have already noticed the heat of the sun as it beams in through the window. It is essential to keep a high-quality sunscreen in your truck and apply plenty of it throughout the day. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
If you find it impossible to stop to reapply, consider wearing clothes that are meant for sun protection. For instance, long sleeves protect the left side of your body, which is exposed to more sun from the driver’s side window. Another option is a sun protection sleeve that goes up the arm like a stocking. Your eyes need protection from the sun, as well. Sunglasses also help you see better in the bright sunshine.
Display Patience on the Road
As a truck driver, you are on the road a lot. In the summer, it might seem like the rest of the country is on the road with you, which can become frustrating. Often, drivers in the summer are traveling roads of which they are not familiar on their way to a destination. It is not just the vacationers on the road, as summer means it is construction season across the country. Be extra careful in work zones to protect yourself and the construction workers. Fines related to work zone violations tend to be high, so have a watchful eye.
If you plan for delays, you are less likely to become frustrated. You need to be extra vigilant, because there is no way to ensure everyone else on the road is paying attention.
Give Your Truck Some Love
Taking care by doing extra maintenance is one of the best tips for driving in the summer months. Temperature causes air to expand in your tires. With the tires extra inflated and the heat and friction on the road, tires can blowout. It may be wise to check your tire pressure periodically throughout your route to ensure proper pressure.
Temperature affects brakes, too. Brakes can lose friction because the parts are too hot to absorb heat. When that happens, the stopping distance increases, making slowing down and coming to a complete halt a challenge. You may need extra maintenance to check the condition of the brakes in the summer.
Hydration Is Essential
You will have your air conditioner on in the cab to keep you fresh, however, it’s not going to keep you from becoming dehydrated. Truckers sometimes avoid drinking too many fluids to prevent extra stops along the way. Yet, in the summer, heatstroke and dehydration can set in rather quickly. Keep sipping on water throughout the day. Symptoms of dehydration set in well before you feel thirsty. If you feel muscle cramps, headaches, or if you are dizzy, pull over and drink some water. Also, another helpful tip to keep hydrated is to keep electrolyte tablets or beverages handy to help ward off dehydration in the summer.
Watch For Bad Weather
While you are not likely to worry about snowstorms in the summer, there are still weather conditions to keep an eye on. Summers are known to bring tornadoes to parts of the country, and hurricanes to other regions. You can also experience sudden thunderstorms, which can become dangerous. Rainy weather can also cause flash flooding, depending on where you are. Don’t underestimate the power of summer weather, and be willing to take a different route to avoid bad weather.
Driving in the summer months can be hard sometimes. At FCC, we suggest keeping in mind the tools at your disposal to maintain your health, as well as the health of your truck during the steaming heat of summer.