Driving at night can be challenging for anyone, especially semi-truck drivers. You need to be awake, alert, and aware of your surroundings all at the same time.
To make these nighttime trips easier, check out these safety tips for driving semi-trucks at night.
Avoid Drowsiness
The first one of the safety tips for driving semi-trucks at night is to avoid drowsiness. When you can, make sure that you get a good night’s rest before you drive. This will help you remain awake and alert as you drive at night. Also, if you begin to feel tired, don’t hesitate to pull over and take a quick break so you can rest and refresh your mind. Some truck drivers rely on coffee, gum, and music to stay awake throughout the night. While this might work temporarily, it doesn’t solve the problem and can end up making it worse. The best way to battle fatigue is to take a quick break and get a good night’s rest.
Watch the Weather
When you drive your semi at night, remember to keep an eye on the weather. If it begins to rain, you’ll need to slow your speed and use some tips for trucking safely through storms. High winds can also make your night drives even more challenging. This is especially true at night, when it’s best to be aware of your surroundings and the weather conditions.
Clean Your Windshield
Since it is more difficult to see the road at night, you want to make sure you have a clear view in front of you. Before you go on a nighttime trip, clean your windshield to remove dirt, bugs, and other debris that can block your view. Additionally, be sure to clean your windshield wipers often to prevent them from spreading more debris on your windshield.
Follow the Speed Limit
Because your visibility is limited at night, it’s always best to drive at or below the speed limit. Speeding in the dark with a large semi-truck is just asking for trouble. Whenever you drive your semi at night, remember to watch your speed and slow down if you have difficulty seeing the road.
