Three safety tips for the summer
1. Keeping your windshield clean!
We get it, we’ve all been on long road trips and gathered our fair share of dirt, dust, and bugs. It is gross and tedious to clean but it is vital! Your windshield is the most important item to keep clean, as it’s literally right in your face. Having even a small bug or residue in your line of sight can be highly distracting, and if you can’t see out of every part of your windshield, it makes room for dangerous driving mistakes. Many jurisdictions have laws against anything obscuring your view – ensure all devices are mounted outside of the sweep of the wipers.
Prior to driving – Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition, not only to clean bugs but to wipe away the rain. Summer does not ensure hot weather, you will drive through downpours, and it will become difficult to see out of your windshield. Ensure your windshield is safe by carefully cleaning the glass, making sure your washer tank is full, and wipers are working properly.
2. Lookout for Locals
Animals; with summer hours resulting in earlier mornings and late sunsets, many animals are awake and active longer than they might be in the winter months. It is vital to keep a lookout for animals crossing or on the side of the road.
Roadwork is often done during the summer months, resulting in crew members being actively on the road. Remember the common courtesy – and laws – when passing through a construction zone. Reduce your speed and allow generous clearance when passing equipment and the flag people giving instructions. Everyone wants to get home safely at the end of the day, construction workers are no different and deserve our respect when on duty.
3. Check the Truck
Summer means hot weather, add driving long hours your equipment will become overheated. Check your truck more often, giving time for your equipment to cool down. While we are focused on the bottom area of the truck, remember that heat plays a big part in tire pressure. There can be a 10-lb. difference just because it is hot.
VTS Transportation’s Safety Promise
We understand during the winter months it is more dangerous with snowy and icy roads making the summer months prone to carefree driving, but here at VTS we want to ensure every driver and pedestrian is safe. We ensure our drivers and owner-operators are safe on the road by ensuring our fleet is no older than 2 years, our equipment is updated to the highest standards, and we provide free safety training. Our dispatching team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you have any questions or concerns we are more than happy to provide the help you are looking for. Our safety team is trained in every aspect and can provide you with any updates or reminders on laws and regulations.
VTS is here to help, we value you and your safety.
