5 Tips for Surviving the Summer: Summer Trucking Safety

5 Tips for Surviving the Summer: Summer Trucking Safety

Truck drivers are often warned about the dangers of trucking during the cold, winter months. But something that is often looked over is how the summer heat can also be a danger for truckers. Being on the roads during a long period of time while the sun beats down on you can definitely take a serious toll on your body. It is very important to take all the precautions possible to stay safe and healthy. You must think of the long-term, as well as short-term effects that the heat can have on your body. Luckily for you, we have compiled five things you may not have thought of to stay safe while trucking in the summertime!

  1. Sunscreen is an absolute MUST!

   If you are not applying and reapplying sunscreen during your trips, it is never too late to start! Sun damage for truckers is very real. Even in the winter months, applying sunscreen to your face, hands, arms, and any body part that is exposed is essential.  Reapplying sunscreen every few hours is key. If you can’t find the time to reapply, you could always wear a visor, or invest in a sun sleeve!

  1. Keep Plenty of Water in Your Cab

       Staying hydrated is very important year round. But you should make sure you carry multiple large water bottles in your cab especially in the summer. The sun can make you very fatigued. It is important to combat that by drinking plenty of water to keep from heat exhaustion. As well as preventing many other unwanted effects such as heat stroke, fainting, or dizziness. All of which can cause danger to yourself as well as the others on the road!

  1. Make Fun Frozen Snacks!

       Nothing cools you off like a nutritious frozen snack! These can be easily made since there is no baking involved, and you can incorporate your favorite foods! Frozen yogurt bites for example, is a simple yet delicious recipe that can be made in 10 minutes! You will need:

  • 1 cup fruit of choice, cut into small pieces as needed
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup of your favorite granola

       INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Arrange 24 mini cupcake liners in a mini muffin tin, on a plate, or on a baking sheet and set aside.
  • Make the fruit & yogurt filling: Add the fruit to a medium bowl and drizzle the honey over top. Mash the fruit with the honey, until the fruit is smashed, with small pieces remaining. Stir in the salt and Greek yogurt and mix until combined.
  • Place a teaspoon or two of the granola in the bottom of each cupcake liner. Top with a spoonful of the frozen yogurt mixture. Pop a piece of fruit or a sprinkle of granola on top of the yogurt for a fun garnish.
  •  Freeze at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!
  1. Be Aware of Heavier Traffic

       When summertime rolls around each year, families around the country love to take advantage of the season and be outside and travel as much as possible. Due to this, the traffic will unfortunately increase, creating a higher chance of an accident. This is why it is always important to stay hydrated as well. Hydration helps you stay awake, and causes your body and mind to be more alert on the road.

  1. Make Sure Your Cab Stays Cool

       Keeping a cool cab will always improve your work environment. This can be achieved by using a sun shield as well as a steering wheel cover. When you leave your cab, make sure to leave the windows down to keep air circulating. Another great idea would be to invest in ventilated seats, as the truck seats do retain a lot of heat!