Truck Driver Tips: Staying Hydrated On The Road

All across America it sure is getting hot! In fact, recent news reports are showing triple-digit heat indices across a large swath of the country. It’s more important than ever to stay cooled off during this summertime heat wave. Here at Smith Transport we’ve got a feel for the wheel and we know how to keep moving in the summer. To keep rolling, both man and machine have to stay hydrated!

Sure, everyone knows that the best cure for the summer heat is to take a minute or two to stay hydrated in the shade, but the heat can be sneakier than most of us think. If you’re the one responsible for 18 wheels, there are a lot of people depending on your health and well-being. An unhealthy truck driver is a dangerous one, so let’s take a short look at some of the warning signs of heat exhaustion before pressing on the accelerator.

Heat exhaustion is often not just a result of the heat itself, but the loss of liquids and minerals due to significant sweating. This means there are two causes of heat exhaustion: loss of water and loss of necessary levels of salt. Both have similar symptoms, which include thirst, dizziness, nausea, and a feeling of weakness. If not treated properly, heat exhaustion can cause heat stroke. Can you imagine the danger of a driver losing consciousness on the road? That’s an extremely unsafe thought, not to mention the risk of damage to their body and health.

This isn’t rocket science, but the number one way to avoid this problem is to keep hydrated. Beyond drinking water and juice, there are a few extra steps you can take. Make sure to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Wear plenty of sunscreen. Enjoy some of that nice A/C, too. Here’s a real tip: if you have a portable ice chest for sandwiches and such, throw a hand towel in there. It’ll soak up all that beautiful ice water and cool you off in a jiffy!

For the sake of your own productivity, health, and safety of drivers on America’s roads this summer, we hope you’ll take an extra step to make sure you avoid heat exhaustion. Plan ahead just a little bit more to make sure you’re trucking at your best every time you hit the road!

Looking for a nice and cool place to pursue your career in the trucking industry? Check out Smith Transport, where our benefits are great and support for our drivers is paramount. After all, our drivers own the company! If you’re interested, take a minute to apply here or give us a call at 866.265.3718.

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