Summer Driving Tips

We’re all happy to see the weather get warmer and the sun make more frequent appearances, but the summer season brings a unique set of hazards for both everyday commuters as well as professional drivers operating larger vehicles.

Staying hydrated is key as temperatures rise. It is advisable to keep plenty of water in your cab and personal vehicles. Setting reminders on phones or smartwatches that ding can be helpful in making sure you don’t forget to keep taking periodic sips throughout the day.

With good weather comes increased construction. Stay alert and watch for sudden lane changes or road workers directing traffic. Following their guidelines is the law and essential to making sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the day.

Visibility can be compromised in the summer months as the sun gets brighter and the bugs come out. To ensure you always have a clear view of the road keep polarized sunglasses in your cab and be sure your washer fluid is topped off to clear the bugs off your windshield.

We aren’t the only ones who get more active in the summer months, our animal friends are also out and about. More daylight hours mean that wildlife is active earlier and later in the day. Dawn and dusk are peak times that should invoke extra caution and vigilance.

Apart from a typical first aid kit, a summer emergency kit is better to have and not need than to need and not have. Recommended items to include are sunscreen, water, a wide brimmed hat, and cooling towels.

Be wary of fatigue that can sneak up on you when the sun is shining and the air is hot. The heat expends more of our energy for the same tasks. Check in with yourself frequently to determine your level of alertness and remember that driving tired can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Good weather can also mean driving longer distances, but the sun being out doesn’t mean your mind and body don’t need a rest. Pulling over to a safe designated stopping point to close your eyes or take a nap helps you stay awake for the rest of your journey.

Road safety is always the number one priority, and we hope these tips help both our drivers and others on the road to stay safe during the warm weather months!