Holiday driving is a notoriously frustrating undertaking for commercial and non-commercial drivers alike. Driving on unfamiliar roads is one thing, but having to do it alongside a dozen other people who are just trying to get home can be an absolute nightmare. Professional truck driving near Joliet, IL, is no exception. You may not be in the heart of Chicago, but busy roads are ubiquitous all over the state as soon as December sets in. The longtime truck drivers with Bay and Bay Transportation encourage all new and veteran drivers to watch the roads with a careful eye and take a few extra steps to stay safe and happy until the season comes to a close.
First and foremost, take it extra slow on the roads during the holidays. This is one of the simplest rules of holiday truck driving that is the hardest to abide by. Traffic will likely be nutty 24/7 and the road conditions will probably be less than ideal more often than not. There will be drivers unfamiliar with the area all over major roads and likely some confused, panicked exiting here and there. Expect everyone around you to be a novice and you’ll come out much happier. Slow and steady during the holidays will do every truck driver a great service for the long haul.
Once the season really takes hold be sure to take the breaks you really need. Even if it doesn’t feel like it, you’re likely under more strain and stress during the holiday truck driving season than you realize. Having to put up with the other stressed drivers, the tight time constraints, and the dicey weather is a recipe for truck driving disaster. Really try to milk the breaks you do have and maximize your de-stressing techniques on the road. Soothing music, tea in a thermos, and deep breathing can do wonders.
And finally, have things to look forward to. The holiday season is already stressful enough even if you aren’t a professional truck driver, but the added pressure of being on the road every day can add to that strain. Make holiday plans for yourself or with your family whenever possible to make sure that all that time behind the wheel feels really worth it. Truck driving for the sake of truck driving is fine of course, but when tension is high, knowing that there’s a break right over the horizon can be enough to help any driver stick with it until the end.
If you’re a professional truck driver looking for tips or a potential truck driver interested in opportunities near Joliet, IL, contact us at Bay and Bay Transportation today. Contact us at (888) 801-3026 or by visiting our website here for more information.