During the summer months, temperatures hit record highs. Whether you’re spending most of your day inside an air-conditioned truck, or outside loading and unloading freight, it’s important to take precautions against the summer heat. Here are a few tips to stay safe during the hottest months of the year.
Stay Hydrated
On a busy day, it can be easy to forget about drinking enough water. But on a hot summer day, you’re probably sweating a lot more and proper hydration is a must. Take the time to replenish your body before, during and after work. Without it, you may feel low energy, mental cloudiness and nausea.
If you’re working in the heat, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends drinking 24-32 ounces of water per hour.
Wear Sunscreen
For short-haul drivers who are getting in and out of their trucks throughout the day, sunscreen is a necessity. The sun’s rays can be unforgiving, so be sure to protect your entire body.
When it comes to long-haul drivers, you want to avoid trucker’s arm. This happens by letting your arms (especially the left one) burn while driving. It’s no better than being directly outside in the sun without sunscreen.
Understand How Extreme Heat Affects Your Rig
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.
Watch Out for Severe Weather
With the summer heat also brings severe thunderstorms and tornados throughout much of the country. Roads can become slick or flooded, visibility reduces, and 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.