Summer Safe Driving Tips
Summer is a season that requires more awareness from you as a professional truck driver. With warmer weather and longer days comes a new set of hazards; like heat, traffic, increased road activity, and changing weather patterns. It’s important to be prepared.
Why Summer Driving Is Different
Understanding the seasonal risks is the first step to planning ahead. Here’s what makes summer driving more challenging:
Tractor issues
Hot pavement and rising temperatures can lead to:
- Tire blowouts, especially if underinflated
- Worn-out brakes caused by overheating
- Your engine overheating
Congested Traffic
Summer puts more people on the road, including:
- Families going on vacation who can become lost or make sudden changes
- RV drivers and trailer haulers who might be unfamiliar with their vehicles
- Construction workers, disrupting normal traffic patterns
Increased Pedestrian & Cyclist Activity
Summer means schools are out and there’s more time for outdoor activities. Expect:
- More pedestrians crossing roadways
- Children playing on or near the streets
- More cyclists and bikers on the road; therefore, more injuries and fatal accidents can occur
Changing Weather
Unpredictable summer storms can happen without warning. It’s important to stay alert for:
- Flash floods that could leave you and your vehicle stranded
- Heavy rain and high winds will reduce visibility
- Slippery roads as oils resurface after rainfall
How to Stay Safe: Summer Driving Tips for Truckers
Follow these simple summer driving tips to keep everyone safe:
Check Your Vehicle
- Check your tire pressure regularly.
- Monitor your brakes for wear. Make sure to check brakes frequently and get them fixed before a small problem grows
- Watch your engine temperature. Slow down when driving uphill and check coolant levels
Plan for Traffic Delays
- Exercise proper speed and space management
- Allow yourself extra traveling time for delays and detours
- When you can, avoid places and times prone to congestion
Drive Carefully
- Expect other drivers to become impatient when traffic gets bad.
- Look out for out-of-state drivers and watch for hesitations, sudden swerves, and quick braking at exits
- When near an RV or another vehicle towing a trailer, pass steadily and give plenty of space to avoid causing trailer sway or startling an already apprehensive driver
Be Cautious in Construction Zones
- Watch for sudden stops and reduced speed zones
- Be alert for construction workers and equipment that are on the road
- Look for cones, land shifts, and signage that directs traffic
Be Alert For Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Bikers
- Keep an extra watch for pedestrians near the road
- Be extra attentive to cyclists and bikers
- Double-check your mirrors and blind spots
Check The Weather
- Always check the forecast for your route before you head out
- Be mindful of warnings from local traffic authorities.
- Be prepared to pull over safely if weather conditions become hazardous
Take Care of Yourself
- Get quality sleep and take breaks in shaded or indoor areas when needed
- Bring extra water with you for the road. If you experience symptoms of heat stroke (headaches, muscle cramps, and dizziness), you must get off the road and seek medical attention.
- Wear sunglasses to prevent sun glare. Wear sunscreen, long sleeves, and even a hat to give yourself proper protection from the sun.
Whether you’ve recently completed truck driving school or are a seasoned truck driver, you’ll want to make sure you take the proper precautions to beat the heat while on the road during the summer months. Follow the truck driving safety tips above, and you’ll be much more comfortable, happy, and safe.
For more seasonal truck driving tips, see our Tractor-Trailer Skid and Slides Prevention Tips.