Tips to Stay Safe During Rising Summer Temperatures

Roehl Transport is built on values, like Safety, Doing the Right Thing and being Driver Driven.

Steps to take at home and on the road to reduce your risk:

• At home hang shades, draperies, and awnings on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
• If you have air conditioning make sure all windows and doors are closed to conserve electricity.
• If able avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the rays that cause sunburn are the strongest.
  • If you are outside during these times wear light, loose-fitting clothes, coveralls that fit loosely over your clothes when covering freight, a hat and sunglasses and even though it may be hot, when working around the vehicle, you still need to wear appropriate footwear to protect your feet. (Sandals and flip flops or tennis shoes are not to be worn when loading/unloading working around your vehicle or in/on the trailer.
    • Take multiple breaks and drink plenty of fluids, STOP what you are doing, if you start to feel lightheaded or feel faint. Stop what you are doing and go sit in a cool place (your truck or home) to cool down. (Especially while tarping a load). Take as many breaks as necessary and once again, drink plenty of fluids.
  • Use sunscreen with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) value of 30 and reapply every two hours.
    • Sunburns can contribute to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and skin cancers. Not to mention the discomfort that comes along with the burns
• Stay in the shade if possible.
• Do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles.
• Take cool showers or baths when you have the chance and use cold packs or wet towels to cool down.
• Drink water regularly to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and too much caffeine and sugar.

Monitor your truck tires:
High temperatures can wear your tires quicker than normal and increase your chances of blowing out a tire. During your stops check your tires for irregular wear, as temperatures rise so does the air pressure. 
If you start to see any wear or tear on your tires contact maintenance immediately.

Using these tips can help you be safe and help others be safe this summer by being prepared during high heat conditions.

To learn more about the benefits of working in a truck driving job with a company that wants you to be successful, fill out our form or give us a call!