Hurricane Season: Trucker Safety & Maintenance Tips

How To Prepare For Driving During Hurricane Season.

"Oh, it's just a little rain and wind," they say, butdon't let that Native Floridian way of thinking fool you. You may be driving a heavy-duty vehicle, butthat doesn't make you invincible on the road. In fact, as a semi-truck driver, you are most vulnerable during the rainy months of the year.

Because September is the most active month for hurricanes and other tropical disturbances, it's time to look at what you need to do to stay safe on the road during hurricane peak season. Wind speeds under 60mph are generally safe for truckers to drive, butas the storm moves, your plans may drastically change. Before hopping in your cab, you will need to perform a series of tasks to help you safely navigate your freight - such as planning routes plus alternate paths - and doing a bit of pre-trip inspections on your vehicle. Keep reading to learn more.

Pre-Trip Planning: Highly Recommended.

Odds are, you have never been to your destination for business purposes, and as such, you will need to map out the best path to help maneuver around tight corners and skinny streets. You will also need to check on current road conditions near your landing site. For this, it's best to start with that state's department of transportation website to see if there are road closures and flooded areas you should avoid. Remember, commercial trucks may sit taller than traditional crew-cab trucks, butthey stand no chance against rushing water. Be smart, plan accordingly.

Pre-Trip Truck Maintenance: A Must.

Truck drivers should investigate their truck before planning a long trip. After all, you will be away from familiar scenery and faces for a while, and it may not be easy to find help in a place that isn't home. These are the top 5 truck accessories you may need to replace before your long-haul trip:

• Mirrors

• Tires

• Braking systems

• Tires

• Windshield wipers

• Headlights

Beware of Your Surroundings.

Mirrors

Driving through blinding rain is nerve-wrecking for everyone – even a seasoned truck driver. You find yourself gripping the steering wheel and turning off blasting music just to see better (guilty). As a tractor-trailer driver, you need to make sure you have a good set of mirrors installed – especially blind spot mirrors – for the safety of all on the road. Without them, you may easily fail to see who is nearby and cause an accident.

Tires and Brakes

Seeing flashing red brake lights from passing cars may startle you, and you may be quick to pump the breaks, butyou are carrying a lot of weight on your back, so don't. Just don't. Unless you have an anti-locking, braking system (ABS) in your vehicle from installed air brakes, you may risk hydroplaning on the road.

Several factors can increase the risk of hydroplaning on roadways including: the vehicle's gross weight, driving on worn wheels, and the depth of the water on the road. If using hydraulic brakes instead of air brakes, gently press down on them to slow the vehicle.

Windshield Wipers

Rubber wiper blades are easy to install, butthey always seem to be a last priority when thinking about truck maintenance and trip preparation. As windshield wipers age, the edges will round and become less effective in cleaning dirty or wet windows. We recommend installing high-grade wipers that will enhance visibility and get you through stormy weather.

Maintenance of windshield wipers can be done throughout the journey at fuel stations. Simply wipe off loose gravel and grime with paper towels or glass cleaner, if you have it in the truck cab.

Headlamps

Headlights not only help you see what is going on in front of you but will also help drivers see that you are nearby. Headlight laws vary by state; however, it is safe to say that they are a must when it is dark out and turned on 30 minutes after sunset and before sunrise. Low-beam headlights, or dipper headlights, are recommended in some states within 500 feet of another vehicle and when visibility is less than 200 feet. It's best to use low beams as opposed to high beam headlamps when other vehicles are around to not distract drivers and impair their driving during torrential downpours.

When It Rains, It Pours.

Rain and wet conditions cause more accidents on the road than fog, sleet and snow. Be sure to plan your trip accordingly to avoid road closures and flooding. Furthermore, be sure to perform truck maintenance where needed before you jump into your cab. With these travel tips in mind during hurricane season, you will be able to stay calm before and during the storm.