Spring and Summer Driving Tips for Truck Drivers
Whether they are heading to the beach, the lake, a summer job, or Nana and Pawpaw’s house, more people will be out driving now that winter is over. The nice weather will bring the locals out of their caves for recreation so, be alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and children at play. It will also be construction season, so, there’s that to look forward to as well. Aren’t you all excited?
If you run a regular route, you’ll already be familiar with the seasonal rush hours to avoid. Otherwise, when you stop for a break, use Google Maps’ traffic overlay to see what is up ahead, or try your luck on the CB.
Spring Break and Summer Safety Tips:
- Avoid distracted driving – Between summer drivers and construction zones, traffic jams can sneak up on you. Sometimes you find it just over that hill. Listen to the CB, some folks still give traffic reports.
- Be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists – Sometimes they take right-of-way more seriously than personal safety. Also, they may not realize that trucks make wide right turns and will post up way too close to the corner. There will be a lot more people out wandering around.
- Check your tires – Increased heat from the road and brakes along with over/under inflation can contribute to a blowout.
- Check your equipment – You don’t want to be out there in the heat with low coolant or without AC.
- Check the weather – Judging by how mild this winter was, there will probably be some serious thunderstorms this summer. Don’t forget your slicker. We don’t get rained out, we get rained on.
- Take care of yourself – Drink plenty of water, get some electrolyte packets to make sure all your synapses are firing correctly, get plenty of rest, and eat a vegetable now and then.
Thank you all for your hard work and have a great summer.
