While the rest of the population is embracing summer as a chance to get outside and play; for truck drivers summer is a serious season to deal with. For both driver and truck, the long, hot days can mean breakdowns, fatigue, and engine damage.

As brokers, it’s important that we understand the increased challenges facing drivers during the heat of summer. A better understanding allows us to manage expectations and respond quickly to events and delays.

Risks to the truck

The combination of a long ride and scorching sun can mean higher oil consumption, changes in tire pressure, and evaporation of essential engine fluids. Brake fade increases and extra pressure is put on your truck’s cooling system.

Risks to the driver

Driving in the blazing heat is difficult for drivers of any type of vehicle. Truck drivers tend to cover greater distances with long stretches on freeways that have little to no shade. Fatigue increases, which affects the driver’s focus and attention.

Top 5 Heat Safety Tips

Newbies and seasoned truckers alike can follow some safety tips to help protect themselves and their trucks from the summer heat.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration is a serious health condition that can result in heatstroke and exhaustion. It even affects the body’s mental and physical functions. During the hottest days of summer, the body constantly loses water, so increasing water intake is essential. Drivers should have ample water supply in the cabin and aim to drink water every couple of hours, whether they’re feeling thirsty or not.

Dress comfortably

Blasting the air conditioning puts extra pressure on the truck’s engine, and the drastic change in temperature when exiting the cabin can affect the driver’s health. While drinking plenty of water helps with keeping cool; wearing comfortable, loose, preferably cotton clothing is also advised. Drivers should also apply sunscreen, particularly to the hands and arms which are exposed to the sun’s harsh rays.

Watch driving speed

Higher speeds on scorching tarmac mean increased chances of stress to your tires and engine. Having to pull over with an overheated engine in the middle of a hot day puts stress on both the driver and dispatch. Maintaining a steady speed is important to avoid overheating the engine.

Take breaks

Regular short breaks help both the driver and the truck. The break allows the engine and tires to cool off, and the driver an opportunity to refresh. Trip planning is always essential, and even more so in summer.

Eat healthy and fresh

Possibly the most challenging thing when living on the road is eating healthy and fresh. However, increasing fruit and vegetable intake during summer will do wonders for a driver’s energy and focus. In summer there is an abundance of fruits and vegetables available, and even truck stops will have bananas, apples, and oranges on offer.

Summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors and yet it can leave truckers drained and exhausted. Following a few hot weather safety tips can help keep drivers safe.