4 Important Nighttime Driving Tips for Truck Drivers
Short winter days increase the challenge of driving at night.
With the days getting shorter, chances are you'll be doing a lot of your driving after the sun sets and visibility lowers. Most everyone will agree that nighttime driving can be trying and increases the potential dangers of the road. To help you drive your best at night and arrive at your destination safely, we have 4 important tips for nighttime semi-truck driving.
1. Keep a Clean Windshield
Driving at night doesn't get any easier with insects and dirt stuck to your windshield. If you ignore the mess, it will build up and get worse. A dirty windshield can actually cause light to reflect in the wrong way and limit your visibility at night. Be sure to clean your windshield whenever you can, and consider replacing your wiper blades soon to keep your windshield clean.
2. Feeling Drowsy? Pull Over
A good night's sleep is important for everybody, but for truck drivers, the right amount of rest is critical for safety. If you try to fight drowsiness, it can be dangerous not only for other drivers sharing the road with you but for yourself as well. When you start to feel drowsy, pull over and call it a night.
Want some tips for how to sleep soundly in your rig? Read 5 Tips for How to Sleep Better at Night.
3. Don't Look into the Light
Staring at the headlights of oncoming traffic can be distracting, especially when they shine directly at you or any of your mirrors. When you don't look away, it can affect your night vision, cause damage to your retina, and slow down your reaction time. You could become a deer in the headlights!
When this occurs, try to look down and off to the right side until traffic passes. As long as you can see the white line on the shoulder, your truck will be fine while your vision adjusts to the passing line. If a car with high beams is coming towards you, adjust your mirrors to block the glare away from your eyes.
4. Avoid Distracted Driving
How many times have you been told not to use your phone while driving? It might get old hearing it, but that rule exists for a reason. And even though it applies during all times of the day, being on your phone is especially dangerous at night given the fact that you already can't see much of the road. Resist the temptation to use your phone and other devices while driving, and call your friends and loved ones when you are on a break or done driving for the day. They'll be glad you waited!
Be Prepared for Winter with Vehicle Safety Supplies
If you need to pull over or stop during hazardous driving conditions this winter, make sure you're prepared with supplies to alert others of your surroundings. We have vehicle safety supplies to help you in these situations. Make sure you have LED warnings lights, safety vests and hard hats, flags and signs, and more for safe transport. Our team is here to help you get what you want, when you need it.
