Summer Driving Tips To Keep Your Fleet Safe In Warmer Weather

As summer approaches, bringing with it hotter temperatures and longer days, it’s time to start thinking about how to best prepare your fleet.

Although the warmer months typically offer more favourable driving conditions, they can still bring unique challenges with them that all commercial drivers need to be aware of. Roads tend to be busier, with a record number of journeys taking place during the school holidays, which can lead to a sharp increase in traffic and delays, whilst the bright sun and scorching heat can also be problematic for drivers.

With this in mind, here are a few essential tips on how to ensure the safety and efficiency of your fleet drivers and vehicles in even the hottest weather:

Check tyres

Extreme temperatures, hot roads, and long journeys can all put extra stress on tyres, and if they’re already damaged or at the wrong pressure there’s an increased risk of a blowout, so make sure tyres are being examined regularly throughout the summer months.

Keep cool

It’s crucial to check coolant levels to prevent vehicles overheating in the higher temperatures, so make sure reservoirs are kept topped up. Drivers should also keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge as they travel and pull over safely to allow the engine to cool down if it does begin to overheat.

Air conditioning systems are under extra strain at this time of year, so test whether these are properly functioning too to ensure that in-cab conditions are as comfortable as possible. It’s important to keep up a regular servicing schedule, as extreme temperatures can lead to belts, hoses, and radiators cracking, which will impede the vehicle’s ability to keep the cab cool.

As well as staying cool whilst on the road, it’s vital that drivers are well hydrated so that they stay alert in hot weather, so encourage your drivers to carry sufficient water to last throughout the day.

Avoid glare

Bright sunlight can severely reduce visibility on the roads, so a suitable pair of sunglasses should be kept in the vehicle at all times.

Also make sure to keep screen wash levels topped up as a clean windscreen helps to limit the effects of glare. Windscreen wipers should be inspected to make sure there is no damage or wear that could prevent the windscreen being effectively cleaned, and mirrors and lights should be kept clear too for maximum visibility.

Anticipate traffic

Roads are typically busier during summer, so plan ahead in an effort to avoid delays wherever possible, and advise drivers to take extra care as there are likely to be more tractors, caravans, cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists, and pedestrians sharing the road. They should avoid distractions whilst driving, and try to travel in a more calm and considerate manner as this will minimise their reaction times to any hazards, whilst aggressive driving and road rage is more likely to cause a collision, higher fuel consumption, and increased stress.

Manage allergies

Hay fever can be problematic when driving at this time of year, but if drivers are managing it with medication, they need to be sure that this won’t cause drowsiness. Remind your drivers that if they find themselves about to sneeze whilst behind the wheel, they should always drop back and slow down, as they could lose visibility for up to 100m if travelling at 70mph.

Follow these common sense tips during the warmer weather, and your fleet will be able to minimise road risk, maximise driver performance, and enjoy smoother, stress-free driving throughout the summer season.

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