Six tips for safe spring driving: trucker edition

Every fall, we get a slew of reminders about safe winter driving – and with all of the snow, ice and below-freezing temperatures, those are seasonally appropriate safety reminders.

Here at Halvor Lines, our drivers and mechanics will tell you every season poses unique challenges for over-the-road drivers. Here is their list of the six top things truck drivers should keep tabs on:

• Pedestrians and cyclists. Warmer weather draws people outside, so it’s important to keep an eye out for people crossing streets and walking or biking along roadsides. This is rule #1 on the road.
• Wildlife. Our furry forest friends are on the move this time of year, particularly at twilight and around sunrise – but it pays to keep your eyes open round the clock. You never know when a deer or bear is going to run across the road.
• Your truck lights. This is important year-round, take advantage of nice weather and make sure your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are in good working condition during every pre- and post-trip inspection. Bright lights increase your visibility at night and during rainy weather, so they should always be in working order.
• Windshield wiper blades. When a rainstorm hits, you’ll be grateful that you kept your wiper blades in good working condition. Get in the habit of regularly checking your blades and you’ll be ready for any weather.
• The weather. Depending on where you are headed, spring weather can run from scorching in the southern states to snowy in mountainous or northern parts of the U.S. and Canada. And severe thunderstorms are common just about everywhere this time of year. Regularly monitoring the weather during your trip reduces the risk of getting hit by hail or hydroplaning on the road.
• Road construction and other hazards. Summer is road construction season, which means lane reductions, traffic slowdowns and workers along the roadside. Pay attention to signs and scan ahead for slowing or stopped traffic. And make sure to give workers a wide berth whenever possible.