Summer Driving: How to Keep Your Commercial Fleet Safe This Summer
While many people expect the cold Winter Months to be the time of year where drivers must be extra aware of weather conditions, the Summer months also provide a unique set of risks that both fleet drivers and managers should be aware of.
As temperatures rise, the season brings unique risks for road users, particularly those operating large commercial vehicles.
In this article we explore the ways fleet managers can keep their drivers safe on the road this summer.
Ensuring safe Summer driving for Fleets
While ensuring safe driving for any road user is essential, it’s especially important for those driving large commercial vehicles like vans and HGVs.
It’s essential to ensure your vehicles and their drivers are equipped to deal with lesser known risks that are presented during the summer months to reduce incident frequency, travel time, and potential vehicle downtime.
Prepare you Commercial vehicle for Summer driving
Preparing your vehicle for warmer temperatures and the different hazardous conditions is key for reducing risk. Here are some of the key checks fleets must conduct in the Summer months:
Monitor the coolant – Ensure the levels are topped off. Overheating is a leading cause of Summer breakdowns. Inspect hoses and belts for cracks and spongy temperatures as high temperatures weaken them.
Test the battery – Extreme heat evaporates battery fluids and accelerates ageing. Clean corrosion off terminals and ensure the battery is securely mounted.
Check tyre pressure and tread – Hot pavement and long hauls cause tyres to expand, increasing the risk of blowouts if overinflated. Check inflation and tread depth daily, and look for signs of rubber degradation.
Regular air conditioning checks – A comfortable driver is a safer, more focused driver. Ensure the cabin filters are clean and the A/C system is blowing cold air to prevent driver fatigue.
Key hazards of driving in the Summer.
Heat related fatigue and dehydration
High temperatures can cause fatigue and irritability, reducing concentration and reaction times for drivers. Ensuring drivers keep a bottle of water in the vehicle and remain hydrated will reduce risk of fatigue and help drivers remain alert.
Increased traffic and unfamiliar road users
Summer holidays mean more vehicles on the road - including caravans, horseboxes, cyclists and pedestrians. Many may be unfamiliar with the route, leading to sudden stops or erratic maneuvers. Construction and road maintenance are common in summer, causing congestion and tempting drivers to rush once clear of roadworks.
Distractions and reduced attention
Drivers tend to be more relaxed and easily distracted in summer, especially with increased sunlight and longer days. Loud music, open windows, and busier weekends & evenings can all have an impact on driver attention.
Top tips for safe summer driving
Be Prepared
Listen to weather forecasts well in advance prior to travelling. Ensure your vehicle is prepared to take long-distance journeys in the summer heat.
Allow extra time
High temperatures can drastically increase the risk of vehicle breakdowns which could lead to delays and heavy traffic. The warm temperature can also lead to higher rates of fatigue; leaving early provides time to factor in for rest breaks to avoid this.
Keep plenty of distance from other drivers
Glare from the sunlight can cause delayed reaction times in drivers, leaving plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front minimises the risk.
In summary
Although an enjoyable time to drive, summertime requires increased awareness and vigilance for a unique set of risks. Always ensure you and your vehicle are well prepared, stay hydrated, ensure your fluids are topped and anticipate unique road challenges so you and other drivers on the road can have a safe and smooth journey.