As a driver, you’re know what life’s like out on the road no matter what the season. Winter brings icy roads that are tough to navigate, blizzards and bone-chilling temps, and the spring and fall months offer unpredictable driving conditions, at best.
Now that we’re in the thick of the warm and sticky months doesn’t mean that life as a trucker is as easy as a piece of sweet, summer peach pie. In fact, some studies show that roadways during the summer months are the most dangerous. There are more people on them, for starters. And more drivers mean more accidents.
Because the best defense is a good offence, here are five summer driving safety tips to ensure you – and all summer travelers – get home safely.
Keep an Eye on Other Drivers
As we just said, summer brings with it more travelers on our nation’s roads. Some of those drivers are inexperienced, some of them are distracted – screaming children demanding to know, “Are we there yet?”, anyone? – and others yet are just plain dangerous.
Keep in mind that not all motorists are as skilled as professional drivers at being behind a wheel, and that you need to remain alert 100 percent of the time so you always know what’s going on around you. Check your mirrors often, maintain a safe following distance, and keep an eye out for distracted drivers. If you spot a distracted driver, navigate safely away.
Check the Weather
Sure, there’s no snow predicted in the forecast, but depending where your route is, summer weather patterns vary widely and could include heavy rain that makes it tough to see in front of you. Other weather risks include flash flooding, hail, tornados and more.
Because these storms often happen with little to no warning, it’s important to keep an eye on the forecast on your route, and check it often to ensure no severe weather is on the way.
Use Extra Caution in Work Zones
Eye health matters.
Driving on a bright, sunshine-filled day can be tough on your peepers, so it’s important to ensure they’re properly protected from the harsh UV light.
The glare can also be dangerous – studies show that glare alone can cause as many as 3,000 accidents a year. Get that in check by investing in a good pair of shades that are polarized – trust us, it’s worth it.
Equipment Maintenance Counts
The extreme heat not only takes its toll on us, but our rigs, as well. It can lead to more tire blowouts and affect your truck’s braking.
Ensure your truck is frequently checked, including the tires and its cooling system, and that all proper fluids are topped up.
Here at Transpro Burgener, safety is our No. 1 priority. This summer, we encourage all of our valued drivers to do all they can to stay safe while they’re behind the wheel.
