The AC is on full blast, cold drinks are in the cup holders, and freight keeps moving.
Many truckers spend much of their time on the road and vulnerable to the sun’s scorching temperature. If you’re a trucker looking to remain cooled-down this summer, read on for three valuable suggestions you can keep in your back pocket — even on the warmest July days.
#1: Protect your skin — no matter the weather and temperature
Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen shouldn't be reserved for long beach days. Unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause skin cancer and extensive damage to our skin, eyes, and immune health.
Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends individuals wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher whenever they plan to be out in the sun, reapplying every two hours for thorough, consistent protection.
Did you know that sun contact is also highly possible — and vastly dangerous — from the inside of your cab? Most of our windshields protect us from the sun's rays, but our side and rear windows don't offer the same level of protection. Additionally, cloudy weather doesn't protect us from the sun, so a good rule of thumb is to apply sunscreen anytime you're outdoors or driving during the day.
#2: Check your vehicle before every trip
One of the worst situations any trucker could face this summer is dealing with a broken AC unit halfway through a ten-hour trip on a scorching summer day.
With enhanced solutions and thorough pre-and post-trip inspections, you and the back-office teams you work with can remain aware of your vehicle's health before any serious issues occur. Anything from a faulty AC unit to low tire pressure can put you at risk of being stuck in the sun for hours, so don't underestimate the value of regular inspections and vehicle health testing. Plus, you'll be protecting yourself from any out-of-service vehicle violations.
#3: Equip your cab with the essentials
Commercial drivers — particularly those making cross-country trips regularly — should prepare for changing weather patterns for optimal comfort on the road.
Before your next trip, consider taking some or all the following along with you:
- Water
- A refillable, insulated water bottle or a water cooler to keep drinks cold
- A portable, automatic fan
- Hydrating snacks, such as fruits and vegetables
- On-the-go sunscreen
- A sunhat and sunglasses
- Bug spray
With these items and recommendations in your fanny pack, you'll beat even the most sizzling summer seasons!
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