Tag: Summer truck driving

How Truck Drivers Can Stay Protected from the Sun

Bob Holtzman

Being a truck driver presents a number of risks while traveling from highway to highway. Car wrecks, loss or damage to freight, engine trouble and more are just some of the ways in which a day behind the wheel can take a turn for the worse. But one risk that isn’t discussed as thoroughly is damage to a truck driver’s skin after years on the open road.

Truck drivers literally face irreparable damage, including skin cancer, every day they get behind the wheel and head out for long hauls. Trucking companies should keep information available for their drivers and avoid liability risks related to claims of skin cancer or eye issues. Having commercial truck insurance can help protect trucking companies, but keeping drivers protected first should be the goal. It’s important to sport the signs of sun damage and make moves on limiting risk over time.

Here are some ideas on how to stay protected from the sun.

Know the Signs of Sun Damage

First, it’s important to be aware of sun damage and look out for its effects early on. Even minimal sun exposure to one side of your face can cause skin cancer to develop and cause more harm over the years. Drivers should be looking out for spider veins, skin spots, and freckles that are out of the ordinary, and check on skin texture too.

Too much sunlight causes the collagen in your skin to break down, which prevents your skin from creating new collagen to repair itself over time. Even if the side effects of sun exposure are discovered, it may be too late to take action.

Use Sunscreen Every Day

Step number one is making sure to lather up on good quality sunscreen every single day, no questions asked. It’s a simple step that drivers can do right before they take off for the day. Your windows may be able to filter out the sun’s UVB rays, but they won’t do anything to stop the more harmful UVA rays from coming in. This is why we suggest a broad-spectrum sunscreen because it offers up protection for the skin from both types of solar radiation. Start out with an SPF 30 then move up from there if need be.

Avoid Peak Hours

Between 10am and 2pm, the sun’s rays are at their strongest. While driving can’t be avoided during those hours every day, it is important to take extra care of your skin. Try to take walks and breaks during the morning and evening hours to avoid sunlight, but still remember to put on sunscreen and stay in the shade as much as possible.

Change Your Clothes

While this is a good rule of thumb anyway, changing up what you wear can be helpful in keeping sunlight away from you and damaging your skin further. A simple way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful effects is to wear clothes that shield your skin. During the summer, try to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats that cover face and neck.

Wear Some Shades

Eye care is just as important as skin care when it comes to sun damage. Don’t overlook eye care when it comes to this part of the job as you need to be able to see well when you’re taking care of your operations. Invest in some high-quality sunglasses that polarize the sunlight coming through and filter out the bad rays. This will help to keep visibility high while maintaining safety from the sun.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes.

How Truck Drivers Can Stay Safe in the Summer Heat

Bob Holtzman

Now that the sweltering months of summer have arrived, many truck drivers find themselves facing some unique safety challenges behind-the-wheel. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips all truck drivers can follow to keep themselves and other motorists safer this summer.

Save Yourself From Sunburn

Exposure to UVA and UVB rays is a risk for truck drivers year-round, but this is especially true during the summer months, when truck drivers are less likely to be wearing protective layers that would otherwise limit their exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. While driving during daylight hours, make sure you apply (and re-apply) a quality sunscreen at least every few hours. Wearing sunglasses and/or a hat with a brim while driving can also protect your eyes from sun damage while allowing you to avoid dangerous glare and other obstructions.

Keep Your Truck Maintained

When was the last time you had the tire pressure checked on your truck? If it’s been more than a week or two, be sure to have this done; this is an important maintenance task year-round, but especially during the hotter months of summer, when truck tires are more susceptible to blow-outs. The same goes for checking and servicing your brakes, as hotter temperatures can make it easier for your brakes to overheat and create a major safety hazard while driving.

Load Up on Hydrating Fluids

Drinking plenty of water while behind the wheel is one of the best decisions you can make to avoid dehydration and the side effects (such as fatigue) that can come along with it. While it may be tempting to choose an iced coffee, soda, or other caffeinated beverage over plain water, it’s important to stay well hydrated during the sweltering months of summer. To make sure you’re drinking enough water, consider investing in a quality insulated water bottle that you make an effort to fill up at least a few times a day during your travels.

Be Alert on Crowded Roadways

Highways and roadways tend to be more crowded during the summer months, especially as children are out of school and families are taking more vacations and road trips. With this in mind, it’s more important than ever to stay alert on the road, especially during times of heavy traffic. Above all else, try to maintain your patience and remember your safety training when navigating busy roads.

Summer time can be a more dangerous time for truck drivers—and for a number of reasons. By following these practical safety tips and making sure you’re protected by the right commercial truck insurance, however, you can keep yourself and other motorists safe. Reach out to the Western Truck insurance team today for more information.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is much more than a commercial truck insurance agency. With roots dating back to 1954, we have provided our clients with unparalleled service for truck insurance quotes, customer service, coverage charges, insurance certificates, and more. We are committed to providing our clients with the service to keep their costs to the minimum and their opportunities to the maximum. For more information about our products and services, give us a call at (800) 937-8785 to speak with one of our experts.