Summer Safety Tips for Commercial Drivers
Warmer weather presents its own unique set of challenges for commercial drivers. Here are some tips for maintaining the well-being of your mind, body and fleet.
Personal Care
Protect yourself from the sun: The sun’s harsh UV rays can still cause skin cancer, sunburn and weird tan lines, even when you’re in a cab. Apply sunscreen to your face, neck, arms and any other exposed skin each day. Hats and sunglasses will provide further protection for your face, neck and eyes. You can also wear long-sleeve shirts for more coverage.
Stay hydrated: That is especially important during the summer. Hot cabs, open windows, air-conditioning and sun can increase your rate of dehydration. Try to drink 64 ounces of water each day, and always keep an extra bottle of water in your cab. Eating fruits and vegetables will also help you stay hydrated and healthy.
Get some shut-eye: You should get around eight hours of sleep each night, even if the sun stays out longer. Fatigue can impair your judgment and increase your risk of getting into an accident. Go to bed around the same time at night and get up at the same time in the morning. A good night’s rest can improve your mental sharpness, refresh your body and help destress.
Watch out for heavier traffic: Summer is a popular time for roadwork, so be mindful of construction workers, reduced speed limits and road closures. There are also more people driving during the summer because it’s a great time for vacations. Watch out for speedsters weaving through traffic and leave yourself plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles.
Fleet Maintenance
Routine inspections: Pre-trip inspections are essential during the summer. Your fleet is susceptible to overheating, so make sure you top off your coolant and oil. Check your brakes and tire pressure before you hit the road, as each component is susceptible to heat build-up during hotter months.
UV-blocking tint: You can install clear tint on your cab windows to reduce the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which are at their most intense during summer. Darker tints can protect your eyes and improve your safety by reducing road glare. Check tint regulations by state.
Be mindful of weather conditions: Summer storms can come on fast. Monitor the weather before you hit the road and check for local weather alerts regularly. Thunderstorms, flash floods and tornados are common in the Midwest, so you should stay abreast of your driving conditions.
Get your commercial fleet summer-ready at any Bauer Built Tire & Service location. Contact us for service information.
Categories: Bauer Built Blog
