Summer is here! While we may be done with snow and ice for a while, it doesn’t mean that truck drivers can ignore road and weather conditions altogether. There are still plenty of obstacles that truck drivers will have to face while on the road. In this blog, we’ll discuss summer driving tips and the proper precautions to take to beat the heat while truck driving this summer. 

Summer Driving Tips

• Check your route’s weather before heading out

  • Before hitting the road, check your route’s weather. Look at the weather where you currently are, at your final destination, and everywhere in between. The summer months are prime time for severe thunderstorms, tornados, flash floods, and extreme heat, so plan to stay off the road if you see any severe weather along your path. Do keep in mind that weather can change in an instant, so it’s important to have a plan in place in case you get caught while traveling. Don’t be afraid to pull over and wait out the storm if weather conditions are too dangerous to drive in. 

• Stay hydrated

  • Hydration is key during the hot summer months. Water might not be your first drink of choice, but it’s the best thing for you. Keep a couple of bottles of water next to your seat, so that they’ll be easy to reach when you’re thirsty, and it’ll remind you to drink when they’re in sight. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which causes low energy, mental cloudiness, and nausea — all of which, are very dangerous to experience when operating a truck. 

• Keep up with truck maintenance

  • No matter the weather, it’s crucial to take care of and inspect your truck regularly. Tires and brakes are two major mechanical components that can be affected by heat. In hot temperatures, tire erosion, blowouts, and a loss of friction are more likely to happen. Additionally, stay on top of your engine’s coolant level and make sure that your A/C is working properly.

• Practice sun safety

  • Even though truck drivers are inside their cabs for most of the day, the sun’s UV rays are still finding them. Have you ever heard of “trucker’s arm”? This is when only one arm (typically the left) gets sunburned/suntanned because the sun only reaches one side of the body while driving. As a result, it’s vital to protect your skin from the sun — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or a loose-fitting, breathable long sleeve shirt. In addition, your eyes should be protected from the sun as well, so invest in a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses. 

• Plan for crowded roads

  • Traffic is likely to pick up during the summer months since kids are out of school, families are going on vacation, and roadway construction is underway. Heavy traffic brings a higher risk of accidents for truck drivers, so you have to be extra patient, cautious, and aware of other vehicles. If you want to avoid traffic, keep this in mind when planning your route and schedule. The best advice for safely navigating traffic is to slow down, stay calm, and be aware of your surroundings.

Closing Thoughts

At Liquid Trucking, we feel a responsibility to lead by example when it comes to road safety, which means we prepare for any kind of weather every time we hit the road. When choosing Liquid Trucking, you can be assured that your load is in good hands. No matter the conditions, we consistently stand out as trustworthy and safe. If you are interested in having us haul for you this summer, please give us a call at 844-GO-TANKS. What other summer driving tips do you recommend?