3 Ways to Prepare for Autumn Driving

Besides being a cozy season, Autumn is one of the busiest seasons for the trucking industry. It is the time when businesses are stocking up on goods for the winter and the upcoming big celebrations. While it may seem like a subtle transition for a driver to make, there are a variety of challenges presented to drivers who may be taking up new routes in different areas of the country or those who haven’t traveled in areas of the country that experience a “true” winter. Below are three ways we think carriers should prepare for the roads as we head into Fall.

Adjust for shorter days

Autumn brings shorter days, which means a few things. Firstly, it means more traveling time at dusk or night, especially for long-haul drivers. Get yourself and your truck ready for longer nights by checking your headlights and taillights, making sure they are all operational. It’s also wise to increase your following distance. Since deer are more active in Autumn, as it’s their mating season, make sure to be alert in marked areas, checking for eye shine caused by headlights on either side of the road.

Secondly, try your best to get proper sleep. While this tip is certainly not exclusive to Autumn driving (it’s always important to get adequate rest before operating a vehicle), the sentiment of safety still rings true for this time of year. Some drivers have trouble adjusting to a sleep schedule due to Daylight Savings or rapid temperature changes.

For those having trouble sleeping, consider creating a nighttime ritual to help establish a schedule and combat fatigue. Pick up some reading material to look at before heading to bed (as opposed to your phone or tablet), try a sleep app, or create a cooldown routine such as a set of stretches. Although tempting, relying on caffeine or nicotine to act as a stimulant isn’t sustainable when the ultimate resolution to your problem is the need for more deep sleep. Accidents can be prevented by eliminating drowsy driving.

Lastly, Autumn sunrises and sunsets can be very bright. The amount of sunlight in the daytime also produces so much glare because the sun is closer to the horizon, making it difficult for truckers to see other vehicles and the roadway ahead or around the truck. Wearing polarized sunglasses and putting the sun visors down reduce the glare and the danger associated with it. Also, make sure to keep your windshield clean for increased visibility.

Be ready for rapid weather changes

On a similar note, even if you’re a seasoned driver, it always pays to be prepared for all weather you might encounter while on long-haul drives. Get your rig ready by checking your windshield and its wipers. Make sure they can effectively clear the pouring rain. When you notice thick fog settling in, set your headlights to a low beam, so the light is directed towards the road.

As the temperature drops, frosted windshields in the morning will become commonplace. Before heading out for the day, take time to fully clear frost off your truck’s windshields, wipers, mirrors, and other components. If possible, budget extra time to let the truck heat up thoroughly. Furthermore, remain mindful of the shaded spots on the road where black ice can form.

Prepare for heavier traffic

Unsurprisingly, the holiday season has a significant impact on the trucking industry. Higher demands usually result in an influx of newer drivers. It’s essential to stay aware of those who may be new drivers or those who may be unfamiliar with specific road conditions. Even the most seasoned trucker must operate to the best of their ability when the roadways become jam-packed with people heading to their loved ones’ houses for the holidays.

Truly exceptional drivers remember that they’re not the only ones on the road, nor do they place any external importance on being a commercial driver versus those who may be passenger drivers.

Driving with Sparrow Logistics

No matter what the season, Sparrow Logistics is here to make the shipping process smoother. If you’re looking for a fast, adaptable, and reliable partner in moving freight, call our team today. We’d love to work with you or provide expert consultation.