Stay Cool While Driving This Summer
Summer is upon us, and the weather is heating up wherever your commercial driving job takes you. No matter what time of year, it’s always important to stay healthy and safe behind the wheel. This is especially true during summer with warmer weather and more travelers on the roads.
Here are six tips from America Truck Driving School to help you stay cool and safe while driving this summer:
1. Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Always have plenty of water available and make sure to keep hydrated. Even with the A/C going in the cab, you may still get dehydrated when it’s hot outside.
2. Protect Yourself from the Sun
The truck’s cab will not completely protect you from the sun’s heat and UV rays. Your left arm and the left side of your face will usually get the worst of it, being next to the driver’s side window. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and even a long-sleeve shirt to maximize your protection.
3. Check Tire Pressures Regularly
Hot roads can lead to more tire blowouts. Always check your tire pressure at each stop to ensure that your tires are properly inflated so that you can minimize the chance of a blowout.
4. Cool it on the A/C
The cool air feels nice and is essential when it’s hot outside but be careful not just to crank up the air conditioning all the time. It burns more fuel and can risk overheating the engine. Find a comfortable temperature, stay hydrated and use the protection to help stay cool in the cab.
5. Be Aware of a Driver Influx
Summer also brings a lot of vacationers traveling all over the country. This means many more drivers and cars will be on the roads, at truck stops, and at rest areas. Be respectful of other drivers and be mindful of your big truck at all times on the road.
6. Watch the Weather Forecasts
Just like you would during a stormy winter, you want to check the weather forecasts for anywhere you are driving in the summer. This will help keep you prepared. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in different parts of the country during the summer months, so be extra careful in those conditions.