Trucking Tips for Daylight Saving Time

Twice a year, the United States observes a century-old tradition. To make the most of summertime daylight hours, the country “springs forward” one full hour. The result is that an hour of daylight is shifted from the morning to the evening. Of course, toward the end of every year, things must go back to normal. So, as winter sets in and daylight becomes scarce, the nation “falls back” an hour. That time has arrived once more, and just as we did a few months ago, we must now take some time to remember how to stay safe—and keep others safe at the same time.

Here are some helpful tips while on the road (and getting to and from your car) to make sure you’re staying as safe as possible, courtesy of a trusted trucking company in Minnesota.

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep

It’s critical for people who will be behind the wheel to get as much rest as possible. Seven to eight hours is the optimal number for most people. When daylight saving time rolls around, it can have a very real impact on your sleep rhythms. Those drivers who are deprived of a good night’s sleep sacrifice awareness and response time, both of which are integral to safe driving practices.

The ice has arrived

You don’t have to work for a trucking company in Minnesota to understand that when daylight saving time shows up, the cold weather isn’t far behind. That means patches of ice are bound to show up from time to time. Look for shiny or glossy spots on the road, on sidewalks and in parking lots. This is typically a reliable indication of ice patches.

Driving in the dark will happen

Once the nation falls back an hour, you can bet that at least some of the time you spend behind the wheel will take place in the dark. That means it’s extra important to adopt a few nighttime defensive driving tactics:

• Most drowsiness-related crashes occur between midnight and 6 a.m. If you’re on the road during these hours, be sure to stay vigilant for drivers who might not be at the top of their game.
• Avoid two-lane roads as much as possible. When you’re driving toward another car on a two-lane road, the risk for glare (and loss of visual fidelity) is high.
• Don’t be afraid to use your high beams when appropriate. If another car isn’t driving toward you and you’re in an area where your regular headlights aren’t doing the job, remember those high beams.

These are some of the most useful tips for handling nighttime driving.

Put your trust in the best

These considerations are just the baseline efforts that we consider when transporting your goods. That’s what makes K-Way Express, Inc. a premier trucking company in Minnesota. All of our drivers are highly trained and committed to fostering a safe environment for the rest of the drivers on the regional highways.

A dedication to safety is just one part of our commitment to excellence. Call today to find out more!