The Sunshine State shines brightest during the summer months, adding thousands of additional vehicles on the roads. If you’re a commercial trucker, you must still meet your quotas and deadlines during what can be a risky part of the year. Below, a West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath discusses summer driving safety tips for Florida truck drivers.
Check the weather on your route
Florida is home to unexpected and severe thunderstorms during the summer, meaning you could face slippery or flooded roads before you arrive. Download a reliable app and keep an eye on weather conditions as you change locations. Be extra cautious during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 31 each year.
Conduct a pre-trip inspection
One of our top tips for truck drivers is to complete a pre-trip inspection before you begin any route. It’s especially important to do this during the summer in Florida, since you’re often at the mercy of the weather and traffic. Your inspection should include checking key components such as:
- Tire pressure: Hot temperatures, sun exposure, and long hours on Florida highways can increase your tire pressure as much as 20 PSI, creating conditions for tire blowouts. You can protect your tires from summer heat by stopping every two hours or 100 miles to let your tires and engine cool down.
- Coolant level: Ensure you have enough of the right kind of engine coolant in the reservoir and extra stowed for emergency refills.
- Air conditioning: If your AC system breaks, you’ll be driving the equivalent of a tin can under the Florida sun. Be sure it’s in working order before you start.
Other safety tips before you get started include ensuring you are mentally and physically prepared for the journey. This can include verifying you have any prescription medications you need and have a plan for where you’ll take rest breaks and refuel your truck. Have a list of alternate locations in the event you’re delayed.
Check for construction zones along your route
As more people move to Florida or come for their summer vacation, the state continues to build more roads. Old ones need repair, so construction is almost constant. Take a few minutes to review your GPS route instructions and prepare for slowdowns, heavy traffic, and detours so you’re not caught off guard or low on fuel.
You can also register for a My Florida 511 account to receive regular updates on traffic incidents and work zones.
Stay hydrated and pack plenty of water
Long traffic jams and summer heat mean you may not get a rest break as soon as you hoped. Instead of depending on truck stops, be sure to stock water, snacks, and hydration supplements within easy reach. Dehydration is not only uncomfortable, it’s dangerous and impacts your ability to operate your tractor-trailer safely.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, when you’re dehydrated, you lose more fluid than you’re taking in, leading to headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. If you’re driving in hot weather and can’t stay cool, you could suffer heatstroke. These conditions put your personal health at risk and could lead to a devastating truck accident that injures others.
Don’t get distracted
It’s easy to zone out while traveling on long, straight highways in the bright sun, but losing focus can be dangerous. Likewise, using a cell phone or other device can take your attention away from the road, leading to a crash. Under Florida law, it’s illegal to hold any wireless device while operating a vehicle since you are mentally, physically, and visually distracted when doing so.
It’s also crucial to watch out for other motorists who are using their phones. One of the most common causes of truck accidents involves distracted driving, such as someone in a passenger car cutting off a semi-truck driver because they weren’t paying attention.
Watch your blind spots in heavy traffic
Although other drivers should be aware of the blind spots surrounding a large tractor-trailer, during traffic jams, they often ignore them. If you end up trapped and having difficulty changing lanes, you must be even more careful to ensure you don’t have a vehicle sitting too close in front, to the side, or behind you before you move.
Know who to call when you’ve had an accident
Those who drive for big companies can turn to their employers in the event of a truck crash. However, if you’re an independent owner/operator and are not at fault, you may need assistance understanding how truck accident investigations work.
Truck driving puts you on the road for long hours with a high chance of something going wrong. When another driver is to blame, you can contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath to discuss your options and understand how the law impacts your situation. Call us at (561) 655-1990 or use our online form to arrange a free consultation today.
