Safety Manager Tip of the Month: Fall Driving

The transition from summer to fall creates a new set of risks for truck drivers. Here are a few safety tips to help get through days that are shorter, traffic that is heavier, and roads that have more obstacles.

Watch Out for School Traffic

For drivers in city environments, school traffic should be a top priority. This includes buses, family vehicles and children. School back in session means more buses on the streets, active school zones and congested traffic. In rural areas, keep an eye out for “School Bus Stop Ahead” road traffic signs.

Be Mindful of Farmers and Their Equipment

Fall is the season for harvesting crops and preparing fields for winter, so be aware of machinery such as tractors, combines and trailers on the roads. These types of equipment generally run slow, so be prepared when you come up behind them, especially on rural roads. Give them plenty of space and use your hazard signals to warn others behind your unit.

Check Headlights and Taillights

In addition to inspecting your entire unit as required, be extra mindful of all lights. With days getting shorter, you’ll spend more time driving at dusk or when it is completely dark. Be prepared for longer nights by making sure your headlights and taillights are in good working condition. Remember brakes, wipers and heating/defroster systems.

Weather

Fall is a transitional period when Mother Nature can go quickly from sunny and dry to dark and snowy. Pay attention to the weather forecasts, especially on longer runs. Have your sunglasses ready. Autumn sunrises and sunsets can be very bright because the sun is lower in the sky, which produces more glare. Be prepared for fog. With cooler mornings, fog is more likely to develop. Stay aware when driving through fallen leaves. Wet leaves stick to the pavement and make it extremely slippery. Dry leaves can conceal potholes, bumps, ice, puddles and other hazards.

Be On the Lookout for Deer and Other Animals

Fall is the mating season for deer, meaning they will be more active. Other animals may also be moving more as they look for new habitats with the change in seasons. Drive a bit slower through wooded areas where wildlife is more likely to be. When scanning the road ahead of your unit and looking in your mirrors, don’t forget to check the sides of the roads for animal activity.

Be Extra Cautious When Coupling Your Trailer

When the weather gets cold, the grease that is in and on your fifth wheel can thicken up, which may increase the risk of the jaws not fully engaging. Be sure to visually inspect the kingpin and locking mechanism with a flashlight to ensure a proper connection. Remember to inspect the fifth wheel handle to verify that it is within 1 inch of the fifth wheel with no play to verify the interior locking mechanism is fully engaged.

Chains

If applicable, have chains available on your truck, and verify that they are in good condition. Chain laws vary from state to state, so make sure you are aware of when they go into effect for any state that you may travel in.

Remember: Being proactive rather than reactive will increase your chances of an uneventful trip and help ensure that you will return from your run safely.