Summer has already started and there would be increase in traffic during this busy time of the year, it’s a good idea to remember these safe driving tips and also protecting us from Hot Sun. Long hours of travel means spending a lot of time sharing the road with trucks. When truckers spend so many hours a day driving cross country in direct sunlight, it’s important to have some type of protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The First Day of Summer 2016 (Summer Solstice) is on Monday, June 20.
As a trucker, you will have to deal with extreme heat, storms, slick roads, and heavier traffic. The sun coming in through the driver’s side window of a truck can feel great when out on the open road. We’ve compiled a list of tips to prepare you for the driving conditions you may encounter. Keep in mind that you don’t need to drive through a desert to experience dehydration. It can happen while driving a route along the ocean just as well as anywhere else. So, keep the following in mind:
Water: Excessive amounts of soda and caffeine-heavy beverages could actually increase your chances of dehydration. Water is the best source for hydration. Play it safe and keep water in your truck (or any vehicle) at all times. If you’re ever feeling drowsy or out-of-sorts make sure to drink a little and, when safe, pull over and rest. Punctuality comes second to safety. So, if you feel dizzy, sluggish, confused or experience heart palpitations, pull over, get hydrated and don’t drive until you can do so safely.
Use sunscreen: Although you should use it whenever you are outside in the summer, remember to always put some on the left side of your face and your left arm when driving. You’ll prevent sunburn, and both truckers arm and truckers face by this one simple tip.
Clothing: Hats, long sleeves and sunglasses are essential for driving down the road. This keeps the sun at bay from your skin and eyes, and keeps you cooler every mile that you drive. As a side note, cotton clothing breathes the best, so if you have a choice, always wear cotton clothing.
Cold compresses: An oldie but a goodie, for instant cooling after working in the heat, whether you have been unloading, doing routine maintenance, truck inspection, whatever, sandwich a cold bottle of water, a filled soft drink bottle or an ice pack, between your wrists. This will chill the blood in your veins and as it circulates around your body, you’ll feel almost instantly refreshed.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated: In the extreme heat, tire blowouts aren’t uncommon, and under-inflated tires increase the risk of having those blowouts. Be sure before taking off for a delivery run that tires are properly inflated to do everything possible to prevent a blowout that can so easily come with heat.
Check the Brakes: Hot temperatures can lead to brake fading or the loss of friction when brake components can’t absorb any additional heat. Be diligent about checking the brakes and even make a check stop before getting out on the road to make sure the brakes are working properly.
Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won’t be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles and reduce your speed.
Aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.
More than all always keep your eyes on road, never get distracted, even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
We’re there to take care of your heavy vehicle use tax, Form 2290 filing. Do choose electronic filing for faster processing of your tax returns and to receive your IRS stamped Schedule 1 proof for payment immediately once IRS completes processing your returns. Electronic filing is Simple, Safe and Secured, as it zero down all possible errors and gets you the accurate tax calculations. Tax filing through http://Tax2290.com would ease your taxation experience and gives you the comfort of filing 2290 truck taxes from office / home computers, smart phone devices and iPhone, iPad devices and Android devices.
Happy and Safe Trucking.