For Bay & Bay Transportation drivers, it is no surprise that every season brings fresh driving challenges. With the approach of summer, road construction in Minnesota is inevitable, especially in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. You will see road crews pinching the highways into tiny lanes, commuter vehicles zipping around recklessly, and detours and reroutes that cost you valuable time.
The upside of spring is that you are driving in safer conditions, despite the potholes which can cause frustration or concerns about damage to your truck. Make sure you plan ahead. Calculate the normal time of your route, and then keep an ear out for traffic alerts, detours, and construction. These can be found online through sources such as Local Conditions or the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Plan at least ten extra minutes into your travel time, which serves as a good cushion for arrival. You may need to add more than 10 minutes cushion time if you know the delays will be longer. Even during off-times, be aware of the roads wherever you are. Cultivating this awareness will reveal new developments that may prove helpful later on.
There is a fine line between being alert and being jumpy. If you are on edge while you are driving a truck, you may be more likely to make impulsive, risky decisions. Avoid this in any way you can. Remind yourself to take deep breaths as you’re driving. Listen to music that will keep you alert instead of distracting or angering you. Force yourself to strictly adhere to the speed limit to ensure you will not endanger yourself or other drivers.
Remember, being cautious may mean driving in the right lane for the majority of the time. Being consistent, dependable and safe is much more valuable to yourself and Bay & Bay Transportation than driving fast and making choices that could seriously hurt yourself and others around you. It could also land you in lengthy and expensive lawsuits and insurance battles. This is especially true on roads where you may not always be aware of the hazards and conditions, which again, points back to why it is vital to include extra time in your travel preparation.
Finally, with the glory of long summer days come the hazards of direct sunlight. Be sure to wear polarized, glare-resistant sunglasses to protect your eyes and keep you as safe as possible. This will allow you maximum awareness on the road as you enjoy the journey with Bay & Bay Transportation.
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Bay & Bay Transportation is currently accepting application for experience owner-operators and OTR truck drivers in Minnesota. To learn more, visit our Driver Careers page or click here to apply online.