- Use sunscreen.
You don’t want to look like a half-baked cookie, do you? Well, if you don’t wear sunscreen, then half of your face and one arm will look toasty.
Just because you spend most of your time inside the truck, doesn’t mean you’re immune to sunburn caused by rays shining through your driver’s side window. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeve shirts for extra protection.
- Drink plenty of water.
Sometimes it seems like the sun literally sucks the hydration out of us. Even if you’re sitting all day, you need to stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day to keep your energy up.
- Look out for tourist drivers.
Summertime is when Americans hit the road to visit family and friends and take a vacation in a sunny state. This means truck drivers need to pay extra attention to passenger vehicles, especially those with out-of-state license plates. Driving in unfamiliar territory increases the risk of accidents and truck drivers need to stay alert at all times.
- Be careful in construction zones.
Many cities decide to do road work during the summer, so be sure to use caution when driving through a construction zone. Keep in mind that violations in work zones are doubled or even tripled.
- Regularly check tire pressure.
Underinflated tires are at increased risk of having a blowout. And you definitely don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire — in the heat of summer. Do yourself a favor and check tire pressure before you head out.
- Inspect the brakes.
With more tourists hitting the road during the summer, truck drivers are more likely to be stuck in traffic jams and rely heavily on their brakes. In addition, hot temperatures can lead to brake fading or the loss of friction when brake components fail to absorb heat. Take a few minutes to inspect your brakes regularly.
- Keep an eye out on the weather.
Some states get severe weather during the summer months. Lightning and rain storms can come in a flash and make driving much more hazardous. Check the weather before you hit the road and don’t be caught off guard.
Ryan