Safety Tips For Truck Drivers As Black Friday 2020 Approaches

This year has been a challenge for everyone, and as Thanksgiving looms, all eyes are on Black Friday- the day of magnificent deals. 

Even with the coronavirus pandemic changing the way Americans live, holiday sales are still predicted to be higher than in 2019. Add in holiday traffic, container shortages, weather and health safety regulations, and truck drivers have a lot to consider before hitting the highways.

Shippers are gearing up to accommodate Black Friday and Cyber Monday as safely as possible. While the supply chain is under pressure this time of the year, our nation’s truck drivers are always at the forefront ensuring our products arrive at their destinations quickly.

If you are a new truck driver and this is your first holiday season, it helps to be prepared. Safety is paramount, especially during these uncertain times. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of holiday season safety tips to remember when you’re on the road.

Self care comes first

As a truck driver, it can be easy to put your physical and mental health last while doing whatever is necessary to complete an assignment successfully. With that being said, while the holiday season can be stressful, taking care of yourself can help make it easier and most importantly- safer. Get yourself in driving shape by doing the following…

• Get 8 hours of sleep per night: Even if you are on the road with a deadline approaching, pull over and get the rest your body and brain needs. Ample sleep boosts concentration, focus, energy levels and reflexes.
• Pack healthy snacks: It’s easy to pull over at the next fast food joint, but unhealthy eating habits and long hours sitting sedentary are not the best combo. Invest in a mini fridge for your truck and keep it stocked with easy snacks like fruit, nuts, trail mix, granola bars and cut veggies.
• Hydrate: When you drink at least 8 cups of water per day, your brain and body are properly lubricated, enabling you focus and perform. 
• Exercise: You don’t need to join a gym, but you can adapt your workouts to life on the road. Nowadays there are plenty of apps designed for truck drivers to stay active anywhere. The Active Trucker Fitness App is one popular program that lets truck drivers embark on a week-by-week program filled with exercise routines and health tips to lose weight.

Your truck needs self care, too

During the busy holiday season, it’s important to keep your truck properly maintained to ensure longevity and safety. Prioritize inspections, especially before heading out on a job to ensure fuel levels, brakes, tires and wipers are all functioning as they should.

Double check your safety equipment, including first aid and truck repair tools, focusing on expiration dates and quantity. Everything should be in one readily accessible location within your cab. Don’t forget your mask, gloves and sanitizer.

Tech update

If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to update your truck driving tech before holiday sales are in full swing. 

Not only will this help streamline the supply chain, but innovative logistics technology makes it easier for truck drivers to stay organized, go paperless and plan routes with the push of a button.

You’ll want to download a weather app to help track storms and snowfall, as winter tends to be a perilous time to drive. GPS is also vital to keep one step ahead of traffic jams and scope out the fastest, safest routes. As well, there are truckstop apps that help truck drivers find services anywhere, including deals such as fuel discounts, free showers, meals and more.