Hurricane Season: The Best Tips for Trucking Through Storms

Hurricane season is here, but the trucking industry doesn’t stop.

Our nation relies on truck drivers to transport necessary goods 24/7.

That being said, if you’re caught driving during hurricane season, you’ll need to be aware of safety regulations for truck drivers to help you stay safe while trucking through storms.

Here are some safety tips for truck drivers to help promote safety in trucking industry.

Truck Driver Safety

Hurricane Season

With Hurricane Dorian roaring up the East Coast recently, it’s clear that hurricane season is in full effect.

It’s important to understand that hurricane season is incredibly unpredictable. Safety in trucking industry depends on you. Be prepared.

Strong winds can be a side-effect of hurricane conditions, reaching far beyond where the hurricane’s eye is.

If at any moment you feel you have lost control of your vehicle, pull off of the road and seek shelter immediately. 

At the end of the day, this is #1 on our list of safety tips for truck drivers: 

Your life and the lives of those around you are more important than delivering your load in a timely manner. 

Trucking Safety Tips

Be sure to watch out for weather warnings. Trucking through storms is easier when you’re aware of them.

In addition, hurricane season can cause many pop-up storms far from the actual hurricane. Prioritize truck driver safety over efficiency. Take note of these trucking safety tips.

First, avoid high water on the road. It may seem obvious, but don’t drive through high water or that small pile of debris.

You don’t know what dangerous objects may be covered by the water or hidden amongst the pile of tree branches. Don’t risk it.

Most importantly, bring emergency equipment. Here are some important truck driver safety items to include:

Remember, if you bring canned food, don’t forget a can opener!

Also, pack a waterproof jacket, and dry clothes in case you get stuck in the rain. If you have an electric blanket, consider bringing that as your extra blanket.

Safety in the Trucking Industry

Truck driver safety is incredibly important to us at TSNAmerica.

We strive each day to make life easier for you, and we know the huge role you play in American economy.

Be safe out there drivers!

Stay on top of maintenance this hurricane season, and don’t leave anything to chance.

If you’re an owner-operator, fleet owner, or leased operator, check out our sister product TruckLogics.

TruckLogics is a trucking business management software designed to keep you on top in the trucking industry.

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How You Can Prepare For Hurricane Season

Every road veteran knows that it’s easy to find yourself stuck in inclement weather. Pop-up storms, blizzards, tornado warnings, and more can strike without a moment’s notice.

When you start the day a few states away in an area with perfect weather, it can be difficult to know what to expect along your route. Unfortunately, you can’t predict mother nature’s actions, but you can be prepared for when she strikes.

Hurricane Safety Tips For Truckers

Whether you are an over-the-road or a local driver, you should be prepared for any situation.

1. Prepare For High Winds

Before a hurricane hits, there will most likely be lots of strong winds, which is dangerous for drivers. Strong winds can pull and sometimes even flip your rig. If you are pulling dry vans or reefers, you are at a higher risk when it comes to high winds. Keep in mind that your rig can still be damaged even when parked.

2. Watch Out For Weather Warnings

Check weather conditions before and during your journey. Also, pay attention to weather warnings. If there is a state of emergency, you will want to take a different route or delaying shipment to affected areas. The U.S. Department of Transportations keeps track of road conditions and closing, so we highly recommend that you check there before pulling out.

3. Avoid High Water

This might seem like an obvious piece of advice, however, avoid driving through high water and don't assume that piles of debris are only branches. Hurricanes blow and float things around, so keep an eye on the oncoming road for any possible hazards. If you can’t see the road or you are unsure, stop your vehicles. The worst thing you can do it play through it. 

4. Bring Emergency Equipment

Whether you’re an over-the-road or local driver, you should carry emergency items in case you’re caught in a dire situation where these tools could save your life. Also if you find yourself stuck for a few hours or even a few days, these items could make a significant difference for your level of comfort.

Having bottles of water and non-perishable food items is essential. Canned food and packages of crackers will do the trick, just don’t forget your can opener. A fork may come in handy as well.

Bring an extra change of clothes and make sure you are switching out your change of clothes depending on the season. Always have a reflective vest so when you exit your truck others will see you.

With winter on its way, remember to have a hat that covers your ears, waterproof gloves, extra socks, and warm boots. Extra blankets are also great to have, including an electric one.

Other emergency items you should bring include:

• Utility knives 
• Flashlights 
• Batteries
• Extra phone battery or portable charger 
• Hand-crank radio
• Matches or a lighter
• Fully stocked first-aid kit
• Auxiliary power unit
• Portable heater
• Extra Fuel

Stay Safe Out There

Winter is coming, along with it hurricanes, storms, snow, and more! Be sure to be safe and prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us this season. Know what weather to expect during your routes and have the right tools in your cabin in the event of an emergency.

If you have more safety items to include or tips on how to drive a semi-truck sagely during inclement weather, please share them in the comment section below. For more trucking blogs click here and be sure to follow us on social for the latest news and trucking tips and tricks.

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