Fall Driving Tips For Truck Drivers
As summer ends, the days get shorter and the temperature begins to drop. Each season presents its unique driving hazards, and fall is no exception. Follow the driving tips below to help keep you and those around you safe all fall long.
- Conduct a thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspection of your vehicle. It’s important to ensure that your vehicle is safe to operate. Pay careful attention to lights, tires, brakes and the heating system. Your tires expand and contract with the fluctuating temperatures causing low air pressure and should be checked often.
- Steer clear of wet leaves. Wet leaves are slippery, reduce traction, impede roadway visibility, and can become a fire hazard. Always keep your windshield clear of leaves, watch for wet leaves on the roads, and do not park near leaf piles.
- Make adjustments for changing light conditions. Shorter days mean less light during the daytime hours, making it more difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles and objects. Be alert and try to travel on well-lit roadways whenever possible. Be careful when making turns, merging, and backing up. Always keep a pair of sunglasses in your car to shield your vision from sun glare. Pull over completely if sun glare affects your ability to safely see ahead.
- Use caution in the rain. In autumn, many cities see increased rainfall. Be sure to maintain a safe driving distance from the car in front of you, as wet roads may be more slippery than usual.
- Watch for frost and ice. Be mindful of frost on windshields, roads, bridges and overpasses. Remove frost from your windows and mirrors before operating your vehicle. Stay alert for black ice during early morning and evening hours.
- Be careful where you walk. Watch for frost and ice on dock steps, tractor steps, cat-walks, ICC bars, and in parking lots.
- Always use three (3) points of contact when entering and exiting your vehicle.
- Colder temperatures can cause muscles to tighten. Avoid muscle strains by performing short warm-up exercises and regular stretching before and during work.
- Watch out for deer. Autumn marks the start of deer breeding season and they tend to be more active in areas near the road. Deer are most active during sunset and sunrise so be extra watchful when driving near wooded areas and near deer crossing signs.
By following the above fall truck driving safety tips, you help keep yourself and other motorists safe on the road.