The spring season brings many wonderful things, from warmer weather to beautiful blooms. But for truck drivers, the season can also bring a host of different road conditions to watch for. Here are some things to keep an eye out for while you’re behind the wheel:
Glaring Roads
As the sun starts to shine n, take extra caution when driving on glaring roads. The sun can cause visibility issues, making it difficult to see far ahead on the road. Remember to reduce your speed and keep your eyes peeled for other vehicles, debris, and animals. It is also important to make sure you have sunglasses on to help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Wet Roads
April showers bring May flowers, but they can also bring wet and slippery roads which reduces traction and makes it more difficult for vehicles to stop. They can cause hydroplaning, which is when a vehicle slides on a thin sheet of water. This can be especially dangerous for trucks, which have longer braking distances than other vehicles and may be carrying heavy loads. When it’s raining or the roads are wet, be extra cautious, reduce your speed and increase the following distance to give yourself more time to react to any hazards on the road.
Animal Activity
Spring is breeding season for many animals, which means they’ll be more active on the roads. Warmer weather also brings more animals out of hibernation and onto the highways. Be mindful of animals crossing the roads, as they can appear suddenly. There might be more animals lingering on the side of the road, but try to stay focused on the road ahead as they can cause a distraction.
Potholes
Potholes are common in the spring due to the freeze-thaw cycle, in which water seeping into cracks in the asphalt freezes and expands, causing the asphalt to crack and form potholes. Potholes can cause serious damage to a truck’s tires, suspension, and axles if the driver doesn’t take care to avoid them. If you can’t avoid them, remember to use caution and reduce your speed to decrease the impact.
Increased Motorcyclists and Cyclists
Motorcycles and cyclists are more prevalent after the winter when the weather starts to warm up. Remember to be extra vigilant and watch out for these smaller vehicles when driving, as they can be hidden in blind spots or can appear suddenly on the road. Motorcycles and cyclists can also be harder to spot in the rainy or foggy weather in the spring, so it is important to be extra aware and cautious during these times.
The spring season is a beautiful time of year, but it can also bring a variety of different road conditions that truck drivers need to be aware of. From glaring roads to animal activity, it’s important to take extra caution when driving in the springtime. By being mindful of these potential hazards, you can ensure a safe and pleasant journey on the road!