Summer Driving Tips

29 Aug Blog

Driving a truck during the scorching Australian summer demands careful attention to safety and well-being due to the extreme temperatures and demanding conditions. The guidance shared by Tegral is a starting point for maintaining secure truck operations throughout this period. Here’s a recap of the key advice for ensuring safe truck driving during hot Aussie summer days:

1. Pre-Journey Inspection: Before embarking on your trip, perform a comprehensive pre-trip inspection to verify your truck’s optimal functionality. Address any mechanical concerns, loose items, fuel or oil leaks, and other potential risks.
2. Optimal Timing: Avoid driving between 10 am and 4 pm, the peak hours of intense sunlight. Strategically plan your departure and breaks to minimize exposure to the harsh heat.
3. Practicing Patience: Maintain patience while driving, particularly during congested periods and sluggish traffic. Allocate extra time for potential delays and uphold a composed demeanor while on the road, no matter the circumstances.
4. Protective Gear: Shield your eyes and skin from detrimental UV rays by wearing UV-protected polarized sunglasses. Don light-colored attire to repel sunlight and remain cool.
5. Sunscreen Application: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, and ears, to counteract UV damage.
6. Hydration Priority: Ensure proper hydration by consuming ample water to counteract fluid loss due to perspiration. Maintaining sufficient hydration aids in sustaining focus levels and preventing heat-related health issues.
7. Scheduled Breaks: Strategically plan breaks every two hours within shaded areas. This practice promotes staying refreshed, well-rested, and attentive during extended journeys.
8. Caution in Work Zones: Adhere to reduced speed limits in roadwork zones, exercise heightened caution around workers, and eliminate distractions. Reduce speed to ensure the safety of road workers.
9. Routine Brake Inspections: Regularly examine your brakes as brake fluid can reach boiling point in elevated temperatures. Verify the proper functioning of brake lights and promptly rectify any issues in the truck’s braking system.
10. Tire Inflation Check: Maintain accurate tire inflation levels to deter tire blowouts and potential accidents. Low tire pressure heightens the risk of vehicle harm and jeopardizes road safety.

By adhering to these safety pointers, truck drivers can effectively navigate the difficulties posed by hot summer conditions in Australia, guaranteeing their well-being and the safety of fellow road users.