10 Autumn Driving Safety Tips for Truckers

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Autumn is one season closer to winter. It is characterized by breathtaking foliage, shorter daytime, shedding leaves of deciduous plants, farm harvests, and many holidays, including Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Also known as the fall season, autumn is one of the busiest times for the trucking industry. It is the time when shops and supermarkets are stocking up on goods for the winter and the upcoming big celebrations. As much as truckers want to help meet the demands of customers nationwide, the safety of trucking and driving should always be a top priority.

The best and responsible truckers are ready for every season and the seasonal transitions in between. But since autumn brings unique driving hazards, there are also driving tips that should be particularly observed during this season. Prioritizing seasonal fleet maintenance is crucial for safety. Below are some tips that will help truckers like you navigate the road safely this fall and transition smoothly into winter:  

Beware of the leaves on the road. 

Any road debris poses problems for truckers, let alone wet leaves that stick to the pavement, making it slippery. The leaves can also conceal potholes, bumps, ice, and other hazards that can cause hydroplaning and other road accidents.

Taking a corner that’s full of wet leaves at the same speed as you do on dry pavement can cause the tires to slip. Even dry leaves are hazardous as they reduce traction between the tire and the road. Also, a pile of raked leaves on the roadside seems like an inviting place to a child.

If you notice leaf patches or piles of leaves on the road, slow down and never drive through them. Drive past the area with caution. Avoid abrupt swerving or braking, as it can cause the tires of your truck to slide uncontrollably. After safely passing through the spot, it is wise to alert local authorities or highway patrol, as they can address these potential hazards appropriately.

Watch out for the wildlife. 

During autumn, deer are more active as it is their mating season. And they are a problem for drivers during dusk or dawn. To stay safe, avoid driving beyond the reach of your headlights and do not ignore deer crossing signs. Be on the lookout for deer eyeshine caused by the headlights, and when you spot one in front of your truck, don’t swerve as it may jackknife your big rig or cause it to rollover. Drive a bit slower in areas where wildlife is abundant and more active, and always keep a watchful eye on both sides of the road.

Adjust for shorter days.

Fall is the time of the year when we have shorter days. It could mean more traveling time at dusk or nighttime, especially for long-haul drivers. Get yourself and your truck ready for longer nights by checking your headlights and taillights to ensure they are all operational. It is also wise to increase your following distance and pass over slowly and when it is safe. 

Be prepared for weather changes. 

In most places, autumn is characterized by damp surroundings due to heavy rains or thick fog. Don’t let changes in the weather catch you off guard. It always pays to be prepared for any weather you’ll encounter while on long-haul drives. Get your rig ready by checking its windshield wiper for signs of damage. Make sure they can clear the pouring rain off your windshield. When you notice thick fog setting in while you’re driving, set your headlight to low beam so that the beam of light is directed towards the road.

As the temperature drops, frosted windshields in the morning will become a common sight. Make time to clear frost off your truck’s windshields, wipers, mirrors, and other components before heading out to fulfill your delivery schedule for the day. Frost may also form on the roadways, resulting in a slick driving surface and posing a hazardous driving situation to truckers. On frosty mornings, drive slowly, especially on bridges and overpasses. Also, be mindful of the shaded spots on the road where black ice forms. It is a good idea to check the weather forecast and reports before embarking on a long drive.

If you are preparing for winter, remember the importance of safe driving practices in cold weather as well.

Gear up for the bright sun. 

Autumn sunrises and sunsets can be very bright. The amount of sunlight in the daytime also produces so much glare, making it difficult for truckers to see other vehicles and the roadway ahead or around the truck. Wearing sunglasses and lowering the sun visors reduces glare and the associated dangers. Keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle and ensure your windshield is clean.

Expect more traffic.

The holidays during the fall and the onset of winter have a significant impact on the trucking industry. As the industry tries to meet the demands of millions of stores and customers across the United States, there is an influx of new drivers. This can’t be avoided, so you had better stay alert for less-skilled drivers when hitting the road this season.  

The roads and highways can also be jammed by autumn vacationers and people visiting their loved ones during the holidays. Be sure to consider that. Since the kids are already back in school, you also need to keep an eye out for school buses and coaches. Drive with care when approaching or running beside a school service. A responsible truck driver also keeps a lookout for children walking to and from school. Implementing truck safety during the holiday season should be a top priority.

Be cautious of tractors and harvest equipment. 

In the US, fall is synonymous with harvest season. During this time, farmers need to transport their crops from the farm to the market or their storage facility and prepare their fields for the next planting season. Always be mindful of combines, tractors, trailers, and other farming equipment on the road. Agricultural equipment and machinery usually run slowly, and you need to maintain ample space when you are trailing them.

While it is inconvenient on your part to creep along behind these slow-moving vehicles and machinery, you’ve got to have more patience until you get a chance to pass. Always double-check your surroundings and only overtake once you’re sure that it is safe to do so.

Plan your trips. 

Before heading out to deliver goods, it is essential to plan your trips. Let’s say you’re heading east. Ensure that all deliveries to that location are consolidated and completed in one go. The night before your trip, research the cities and states you’ll make deliveries to and the places you’ll pass by. Check the weather forecast so you can prepare yourself and your truck. The United States is a vast country, and its weather conditions vary drastically from one state to another. It is beneficial if you know what’s waiting for you along the way.

Planning is key for year-round success, just as it is for optimizing a fleet for summer.

Be ready for the winter. 

When it’s fall, it means that winter is just around the corner. After only a few weeks, the entire country will begin to feel the chill of the coldest season of the year. Don’t wait for the first snowfall of the year before getting your truck ready for the wintertime. During autumn, it is wise to prioritize winter truck preparation by checking its maintenance schedule and sticking to it to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Don’t forget the basic driving safety tips. 

Of course, regardless of the season, you must follow the basic driving tips for truckers. These include driving attentively and responsibly, as well as following road signs and speed limits. Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and wear your seatbelts all the time.

It pays big time to make your truck ready for autumn. And the good news is, FinditParts has always been ready to help you out. We offer the best and most cost-effective solutions you need to clean, wax, and replenish the fluids of your truck. You can also find here replacement wipers, sun visors, lights, and many other products that could help make your truck and yourself ready for long-haul autumn drives.