Truck driving in extreme heat can be more hazardous than many non-commercial drivers realize. Not only are you in a confined space for hours on end, but there’s also heavy movement, lifting, and cargo transferring that has to happen as well… even when the sun is beating down on your shoulders. For truck drivers in traditionally hot locales such as San Antonio, TX, the summer heat may be a welcome change from the cooler winter air, but without proper attention, it could also lead to some major summer woes. The Bay and Bay Transportation truck drivers encourage all fellow drivers to put their safety first while summer continues its oppressive reign.
Working outside in high temperatures is more than just a sweaty pain when it comes to professional truck driving. If the conditions are right, and they often are in the South, working in extreme heat can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. Many truck drivers know to up their water intake during the summer for this very reason, but even if you’re drinking gallons throughout the day the sun can still be a major threat to your health or even just your productivity.
Heat, along with the more severe consequences, can increase one’s tendency towards absent mindedness or distraction. If truck drivers are overheated, sweaty, and tired they may make some bad calls. And as anyone working in professional truck driving will tell you, a single bad call can make or break an assignment. It may be something as small as making a wrong turn, but it could also be as catastrophic as causing an accident.
Heat can also impact your mood. Being uncomfortably warm for long periods of time can make anyone including truck drivers short-tempered, impatient, and irritable. This can lead to aggressive driving, extreme frustration, and sometimes a fairly literal “burning out.” If you’re finding that your mood is being inordinately impacted by the hot weather, some environmental interventions may be necessary.
If you’re going to be working in professional truck driving this summer in San Antonio, TX, be sure to fight back as hard as you can against the heat. Drink water, keep your cabin cool, and wear sunscreen, visors, and hats. For truck drivers looking for a new, hot opportunity (but not literally) call Bay and Bay Transportation today at (888) 801-3026 or visit our website here for additional information on summer trucking and additional trucking opportunities.