Safe Trucking During the Holidays

busy road for truckers during the holidays

Do you want to drive over the holidays to rake in extra cash or do you try to get home as quickly as possible to be with your family? Either way, it’s important to be safe while driving during the holidays. The lives of you and other drivers on the road depend on it.

From Thanksgiving through the end of the year, keep these safety tips in mind so you can enjoy time with your family later.

Prepare Before You Hit the Road

The holidays mean more traffic on the road, less patience from passenger vehicle drivers, and plenty of winter weather. Get yourself ready before you get on the road during the holidays. Check the weather so you know what to expect on the road. Pack a few snacks so you don’t have to stop as often or for as long. Pack for cold weather and check your emergency kit to make sure you have what you need if you get stuck somewhere.

Keep Your Tank Full

Topping up whenever you can may take a little more time on the road, but it offers two safety benefits, especially if you’re driving in winter weather. A full fuel tank gives you better traction on the road by adding more weight to your tires. It also prevents water condensation from building up in your fuel lines which can kill your engine — eventually leading to unplanned expenses and possibly being stuck on the side of the road somewhere.

Be Patient in Winter Weather

In general, when the weather turns icy, rainy, or snowy, you need to slow down. Take your time and be patient out on the road. Be cautious coming up to bridges in cold weather, as they may be covered in black ice. When you need to slow down, avoid using the Jake Brake while on icy roads so you don’t rollover or jackknife. Take your time and be cautious.

Watch That Passenger Vehicle Traffic

During the holidays, the roads are worse than ever. Everyone wants to get somewhere, and they’re all in a rush. They dart in and out of traffic, getting in the way and sitting in your blindspots. Make fewer lane changes in this kind of traffic. You’re more likely to get into an accident or need to brake quickly in icy conditions. Either one will lead to a bad outcome for you and the other vehicles on the road. That’s going to really wreck your holiday — pun intended.

Connect with Your Family

If you’re trucking over a holiday and can’t be with your family, find ways to connect — safely. Don’t FaceTime and drive out there but don’t forget to call when you can. Make time for video chats and conversations. Plan a belated Thanksgiving dinner when you get back. As much as you miss your family during this time, stay patient out on the road. Your family wants you back, but they also want you to stay in one piece.

No amount of money is worth your life. Being on the road over the holidays might mean a good payday at the end, but not if you don’t make it home to enjoy it. Take care of yourself and your truck and watch for the busy, unaware drivers around you.