As the holidays roll around, truck drivers are hitting the road for long hauls to deliver food, parcels, and presents all over the country. Inclement weather is commonplace during the holiday months. And long hours on the road can wear you out sooner than anticipated. It’s important to stay attentive to both your health and your surroundings while heading to your destination and back again.
Take care of yourself and stay safe during long drives leading up to the holidays by following these 5 driving tips:
- Keep your fuel tank full.
Consistently topping off your fuel tank during the holidays is key to avoiding any condensation buildup in your fuel tank. Moisture in your fuel tank may prevent your truck from starting or cause stalling. It also may cause corrosion or buckling in your truck’s framework. A full fuel tank also puts more weight on your tires, providing greater traction on the road.
- Minimize lane changing.
Especially when you’re driving in cold climates, lane changing can be a serious safety hazard. Just a simple slip on a patch of black ice could mean spinning out of control. Additionally, your truck probably has plenty of blind spots that make it potentially hazardous to change lanes in the first place for fear of hitting something that is out of sight. Stick to lane changing only when necessary.
- Stay patient while driving in inclement weather.
Plan extra time into your cross-state trips to account for inclement weather. The holidays are unfortunately often accompanied by ice, wind, snow, sleet, rain, and other precipitation that may slow your driving down. Stay patient when you’re moving at a pace slower than you’d like. Safety is worth it.
- Take breaks when necessary.
Long hours on the road, especially during the bleak winter months, can drain you out faster than during the greener times of the year. Make sure you don’t exceed the 11-hour driving compliance laws and take the time to sleep and rest on your long hauls. Taking breaks will ensure that you’re awake and alert with your eyes on the road while you’re moving from point A to point B.
- Plan your time off in advance.
The holidays are a great time to spend with your family, friends, and other loved ones. It’s important to take the time to rest and recharge with the people that matter to you. Plan your time off in advance around your trips to ensure that you have the trucking schedule you desire during the holiday season. You’ll be glad you did!
If you find yourself in a pickle on the road during the holidays, don’t hesitate to give Tow Pro a call at 615.256.TOWS(8697). We offer heavy duty towing services equipped to haul your truck to the nearest garage if you find yourself in a situation needing roadside assistance. We’re available 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays.