Hurricanes can wreak havoc on not only homes, roadways, and communities as a whole, but they also affect truck drivers. Hurricanes can damage shipments and equipment, wash out roads, create route changes or idle trucks, and increase prices due to fuel costs rising. They can also pause scheduled deliveries so that truck drivers are available to take relief and emergency supplies to those in need. Unfortunately, we are at the very beginning of hurricane season in the United States, bringing to light the need for all of us to refresh on hurricane safety tips for truck drivers.
4 Hurricane Safety Tips for Truck Drivers
Here are four hurricane safety tips for truck drivers as we are in the heart of hurricane season!
1. Prepare for high winds
Before the hurricane even hits and the rain starts, there’s most likely going to be lots of strong winds in the area. Strong wind is dangerous for truck drivers because it can pull and sometimes even flip a tractor-trailer. Trucks pulling dry vans or reefers are most at risk when it comes to high winds. Also, keep in mind that strong wind gusts can damage a trailer even if it’s parked.
2. Pay attention to weather warnings
Pay attention to weather warnings. If there is a state of emergency in a certain area, you may want to consider taking a different route or delaying shipment to that area. Also, stay up to date on road conditions during hurricane season. The U.S. Department of Transportation keeps track of road conditions and closings, so check it out to make sure you’re heading toward the safe ground.
3. Be flexible
Be prepared for schedule delays and changes. Patience is key when your trucking route is being impacted by a hurricane. Since the weather is so unpredictable, there’s no saying just how long an area will continue to be impacted by the storm. Be flexible in this situation and prepared for anything.
4. Avoid driving through high water
This one may seem obvious, but avoid driving through high water and don’t assume that piles of debris that you see are just branches and sticks. Hurricanes blow and float things around, so keep an eye on the road for any hazards up ahead. If you can’t see the road or you’re unsure, don’t just plow through it and continue onward. It’s better to stop then to run over something or someone you can’t see trapped by the storm.
Do you have any additional hurricane safety tips for truck drivers? Share with us in the comments below!
August 29, 2023
My son is currently in Bloomingdale Georgia and they have tropical storm warnings there he is parked and has a heavy load in his trailer but has nowhere to go but stay in his truck. Will my son be safe?