Summer is here already. The temperatures have hit some record highs, and if our weathermen are to be trusted, we should expect another two months of scorchers!
The dog days of summer are no joke, and whether you have a long-haul or short-haul, it’s always a good idea for truckers to plan ahead and get ready for the heat. Here are 5 simple tips to stay safe during the hottest months of the year:
Dehydration poses a real risk. Not getting enough water can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Lack of proper water intake can also harm your kidneys. It’s known that working on-the-go limits healthy food options. Common on-the-go foods such as chips and beef jerky contain high levels of sodium. High sodium levels in the short term can lead to headaches, over the long term it can lead to high blood pressure. To help your kidney’s flush this extra out of your body, please drink more water!
Keeping a couple of bottles of water next to you while you’re driving will serve as a constant reminder and make it practical for you to drink water throughout the day.
In the higher temperatures of the summer, the chance of tire blowouts increases. Under-inflated tires can further increase the risk for blowouts.
Check your brakes before you start your drive because higher temperatures can result in a loss of friction when the brake parts can’t absorb any more heat.
It’s always important to inspect your tires and brakes on a regular basis, no matter the weather forecast. However, this becomes even more important during extreme heat, which can lead to faster erosion of brakes and tires. Stay vigilant about your rig’s maintenance.
For short-haul drivers who get in and out of their trucks throughout the day, sunscreen is a must. Remember to follow sun protection tips, such as using sunscreen and wearing long sleeves.
Sunburns, sunstroke or glare are common this time of year because of the intensity of the sun. Therefore, your luggage should not include sunscreen with a high degree of protection, sunglasses with a high filter against UV rays and, to protect your head, a cap or hat.
When it comes to long-haul drivers, some express surprise when we say that they, too, should use sunscreen. However, have you ever heard of the term, trucker’s arm? Letting your arms (especially the left one) burn while driving, day in and day out, is no better than loading and unloading out in the sun without sunscreen.
We’ve focused on heat so far, but with that, summer also brings severe thunderstorms and tornados throughout much of the country. Roads can become slick or flooded. Visibility can drop down to zero. Winds can gust at incredible speeds. Watch the weather report, know what’s coming and be willing to pull over and wait the storm out when conditions get too dangerous.
Our team and the Trucker Guide App can help you to ensure the safety and convenicity of your route.Stay safe folks!
Best regards,
The Trucker Guide team.
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