Distracted driving is a problem for professional truck drivers and non-commercial drivers alike, but every season comes with its own, personalize distracted driving issues. For professional truck drivers with Bay and Bay Transportation in the San Antonio, TX area, you should always be ready for these summer-specific distractions and know at least a few basic ways to keep them at bay until fall arrives.
Though summer offers a lot to love, it’s probably best known for one over-arching characteristic; the sun. On a summer vacation it’s a lovely addition that can brighten up your day, but for long-distance truck drivers, it’s not always ideal. Not only can it be obnoxiously hot for truck drivers on the road, it also adds a bunch of problems for any driver with eyes (i.e. all of them!). An unobstructed sun means strong glare, unexpected blind spots, and bright reflections. If you’re a truck driver on the road this summer, be sure to combat these distractions with a strong pair of sunglasses and a strategic use of your sun blinders. If you find yourself getting distracted by the sun, pull over briefly and arrange yourself so it won’t get in your way at a crucial moment.
The sun doesn’t only produce extra eye strain and heat, it also draws out the tourists. Tourists are a major source of road distractions for any professional truck driver because, more often than not, it means they’re unfamiliar with the local roads and may overcompensate to correct their routing. You’ll probably encounter a regular smattering of little SUVs and mini-vans crossing five lanes to snag an exit, or in a worst case scenario, come upon someone’s hastily secured canoe coming loose on a major roadway. To prevent summer conflict with these adventurous drivers, don’t be hasty, and give them some extra-generous space. Plus, if you don’t trust the tied-cargo in front of you, don’t follow it. Truck driving requires a lot of precise timing, but going too fast and running over someone’s plastic kayak is not worth the shaved minutes.
And of course, professional truck drivers all over the country know that summer means major road construction. There’s usually a plethora of busy workers and very confused non-commercial drivers to contend with along a long stretch of construction. Avoid distractions in these areas such as changing the radio, listening to loud music, or getting invested in an audio book. You’ll want to be firing on all cylinders when the octogenarian two cars ahead nearly bops a flagman holding a warning sign.
For more tips on how to stay summer-driving safe for truck drivers, or if you’re a San Antonio, TX truck driver interested in exploring a truck driving career, contact Bay and Bay Transportation at (888) 801-3026 today, or visit our website here for more information. Find your place in truck driving today.