Autumn Safety Tips for Truck Drivers
Fall is right around the corner. The leaves will start to fall, kids are back in school, temperatures begin to drop, and wildlife moves about. Just like the season is changing, so will your trucking lifestyle.
Every day of the year, my goal is to return you home safely, to a safe home environment you can enjoy during these transitions. Here are a few tips and reminders to help during the fall season.
Falling leaves along with increased rain and fog are often challenging this time of year. Shorter days along with the daylight-saving time change put more motorists on the road at dark. Please adjust your driving habits to accommodate these conditions.
With the time change, there is more sunlight during the early morning hours. We need to be aware of the change, but just as importantly, we need to understand the challenges of less trained drivers who share the road. As autumn proceeds, the sun travels more to the south. Roads that were not an issue in the past become a real problem when the sun is rising in the middle of the road. Less experienced drivers may not think about how this changes visibility on roads they travel on frequently.
There will be more frequent stops due to school buses. More children will be on the streets, meaning you should take extra precautions, especially around school zones and bus stops.
Another thing to be on the lookout for; deer are more active as it is their mating season, and they are a problem for drivers during the dawn or dusk hours. Look for animal crossing signs. Hitting a deer is the last thing any trucker wants!
Change your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide batteries. If you have a home fire extinguisher, check the expiration date. Preparing for the fall season will allow you to enjoy the most of it, whether you’re on the road or at home.
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