Summer is finally here and in full swing. Unfortunately, driving during the summer months can be brutal. Therefore, truck drivers in particular must be cautious when temperatures reach record level highs. This is because truck drivers spend all their time behind the wheel of their vehicle or loading/unloading their goods. In short, this means there’s no escaping the sun for them.
If you’re looking to stay cool this summer and keep your truck up and running then here are some hot weather hacks.
Hot Weather Tips for Truckers
As a truck driver, you’ll spend the majority of your time on the road and working outside. Therefore, during the summertime, there will be many obstacles you’ll need to overcome. These typically pertain to your overall health and the performance of your truck.
To stay safe this summer, here are our top hot weather tips for truckers.
Stay Hydrated
A day in the life of a truck driver is nothing short of busy. Therefore, it’s not unusual for them to forget something as simple as staying hydrated. The problem with this during the summer is our bodies lose more water through sweat. This can result in dehydration which can lead to more severe health problems.
Therefore, to avoid heat exhaustion or a heat stroke, you need to stay hydrated. Our best advice is to keep cases of water on your truck at all times. There are some great cooler and refrigerator options for trucks that can keep your items chilled throughout the day.
Apply Sunscreen
Truck drivers are constantly exposed to UV rays. While there’s no way to avoid this, there are ways you can protect your body. A good quality sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself against unwanted skin cancer or skin damage. We suggest an SPF 30 or above and reapplying it every couple of hours.
Check Your Rig
Big rigs can also be affected by extreme weather conditions. Therefore, drivers need to stay on top of their truck maintenance to avoid engine problems or tire erosion. To get ahead of any potential issues we encourage pre-trip inspections.
You’ll need to make sure your AC unit is running properly to remain at a comfortable temperature in your truck. You can do this by making sure your antifreeze isn’t running slow or off. Also, you need to keep your engine cool to avoid it overheating. Make sure you check your engine’s oil and coolant regularly.
Monitor the Weather
Severe weather conditions are very prominent during the summertime. There are tornadoes in the Midwest, hurricanes and thunderstorms in the South, and fires on the West Coast. Inclement weather can make the pavement slick and significantly reduce visibility. Therefore, before you head out for your trip you should monitor the weather and plan your route around it.
Bottom Line
It’s important to be proactive this summer by taking care of yourself and your vehicle. Simple tips like staying hydrated and monitoring your truck can help mitigate the obvious risks. Therefore, if you’re a trucker we suggest the above hot weather tips to make traveling your routes this summer bearable.
Source
https://schneiderjobs.com/blog/summer-driving-safety-tips-truck-drivers