They say that April showers bring May flowers, but springtime weather also brings about hail, pollen and increased critter activity. So, before hitting the road, you need to dust off the old seasonal checklist and make sure you’re staying safe on the road. With spring weather ahead, be sure to check the following:

1. Fully Operational Lights: Be sure all lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are in good working condition. Bright lights increase your visibility at night and during rainy weather, but also make you visible to other drivers and help keep your truck legal.
2. Clean Wiper Blades: Wiper blades are easily damaged from icy windshields or dry hot summers. Without a smooth rubber blade, they won’t effectively clean whether during a rainstorm or washing away pollen, sap, or bugs while driving along the highway.
3. Good Tire Condition: This includes checking both the tread and air in your tires. It’s not uncommon for tires to slightly deflate during colder temps and by having the proper amount of air in your tires, you’ll save on gas and improve safety.
4. Weather Forecast: Finding out what potential weather conditions will be makes it possible to adjust your route, departure, and driving times. Most everyone thinks of checking the weather forecast during the winter, but Spring has its own weather challenges such as heavy winds, rains, hail, tornado risks and fluctuating temperatures. Creating a truck driving plan in advance will help ensure you have the proper gear while staying safe and meeting your deadline.
5. Replenish and Update Emergency Supplies: While switching from winter to spring clothing, be sure to keep items that work well for layering, as well as blankets. Days and nights can still get chilly. Replenish other supplies too. This may include medications for seasonal allergies or colds, as well as restocking items like hand sanitizer, facial tissue, emergency food and water.

As you follow these safety tips, also remember that it’s that time of year for another essential maintenance activity: Spring cleaning! Consider refreshing the cab and living quarters of your truck by vacuuming, dusting, and polishing. Not only will it give you a nice clean ride as you enter the new season, but it can also help reduce seasonal allergies.

As the temperatures rise and trees begin to bloom, people and animals alike become much more active which increases your need to stay alert and diligent while driving. Along with maintaining a watchful eye for the following things on your route, be sure to keep your windshield clean and have quality sunglasses too.

1. Increased Wildlife: Springtime brings animals out of the woods. Whether eating grass along the roadside, crossing the highway in search of safety, or looking for a mate, you can expect a lot more activity for deer, birds, elk, moose, and everything in between. Being watchful is important. Smaller animals may not present a major hazard to you or your truck, but it’s important to keep a watchful eye even in urban areas. Remember, wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk.
2. Be Mindful of Other People: The warm weather brings about more pedestrians as well as more vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. Stay alert and be cautious of dangerous or careless maneuvers from others. Even though the increased traffic can seem like a nuisance, it’s a reality of the season that you need to be mentally prepared for.
3. Be Prepared for Rain and Hail: Rain and hail can cause reduced visibility as well as slippery roads. During such conditions, avoid fast movements, allow more time for stopping and increase your distance between vehicles. Additionally, should you encounter a hailstorm, consider pulling over to prevent a cracked windshield.
4. Watch for Potholes: This is especially true in areas with a lot of snow. The extreme temperature changes along with snowplows, and melting agents wreak havoc on roads causing potholes and uneven pavement to develop during the winter months. Running over a pothole can result in a flat tire or damage to your truck’s alignment or shocks.
5. Construction: Construction crews are always eager to make the most of spring and summer months so practice caution when passing through road construction areas or major construction zones.

Stay safe out there

Have you thought about all of these important springtime trucking tips? Suppose U Drive has been in the trucking industry since 1936. As a family-owned business that thrives on customer service, we enjoy sharing valuable information to those interested in trucking news and tips. For more guides like this, consider signing up for our free newsletter.