Safety during autumn is one of the most discussed topics online. After all, truck drivers have to deal with added safety issues in the fall season. Professional truck drivers understand that it’s all about being vigilant to ensure safe driving during autumn weather changes on the road. But safety issues and hazards are often unexpected in the winter. To avoid severe truck accidents, truck drivers should prepare for a successful and smooth transition into the autumn weather.
Understanding the Impact of Autumn on the Roads
Unlike the summer season, the weather in autumn is highly unpredictable. For instance, cooler temperatures create more fog during the evening and nighttime. In autumn, when a trucker drives at a higher elevation, the temperature can drop dramatically and lead to frost.
Truckers driving across the country should be prepared to handle sudden weather changes in the fall. For starters, roads become wet, which propel truckers to slow down their speed to cover long distances. Since frost covers most roads, truckers should carefully approach bridges and overpasses. Part of your routine maintenance should involve checking fog lights along with tire treads and pressure.
How Can Truck Drivers Prepare for Driving During Autumn?
In autumn, days get shorter, and direct sun glare makes it hard to see obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road. In fact, ice or water on the road increases sun glare.
As a safety precaution, truckers can wear sunglasses to avoid extreme sun glare. Autumn has fewer daylight hours which leaves no choice for truckers to drive in darkness. So, inspect truck headlights to ensure they’re fully operational and in excellent condition.
Fall Leaves During Autumn
Trees lose a lot of leaves in autumn, and drivers should be prepared for potential road hazards. For instance, rain can cause many leaves to fall and create slick surfaces. Not to mention, heavy trucks can hydroplane in wet and slippery conditions. Remember, leaves can cover potholes, bumps, markings, and other hazards on the road.
Truck drivers should avoid sudden swerving, braking, or parking their trucks on top of a pile of autumn leaves. And that’s because there’s a risk your truck’s exhaust system might ignite a pile of leaves in dry conditions. If you see leaves on the road, slow down and assume they’re slick and wet.
Review of Safety Standards in Autumn
Truck drivers’ safety during autumn depends on how regularly they inspect their semi-heavy trucks. Part of the process is to take responsibility for maintaining high safety standards. As per federal law, truckers have to inspect and maintain their truck systematically. Check the safety of all accessories and components and ensure whether or not they’re in proper condition before you hit the road in autumn.