When we think about dangerous driving, icy roads, fog and whiteouts come to mind. But summer driving is deceptively dangerous. There are more drivers on the roads, many of them teens with a lack of experience and questionable judgment. The data indicates that teens are more likely to be involved in accidents than any other driver. The roads are also full of vacationers who are unfamiliar with the roads they are driving. This can lead to erratic behavior on the road. And they often drive more slowly than locals. There are also more cyclists and motorcyclists on the road. Driving beside cyclists presents challenges for safe summer driving.
There is a greater risk of tire blowouts in the summer. Hot weather causes the air inside tires to expand, which leads to blow-outs in older tires. The heat of the season also increases the likelihood that engines will overheat.
Our trucks don’t have these issues, as we keep up with maintenance, but when any vehicle has a blow-out or overheats, it impacts everyone on the road.
In the heat of summer, drivers are more likely to suffer from dehydration which causes fatigue and dizziness—making them hazards on the road.
How We Keep You Safe
At Northwest Tank Lines we take safety seriously, and we have been recognized industry-wide for our efforts.
We are the only verified Responsible Care® trucking company in western Canada. Responsible Care® is a program run by the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, and partners must adhere to the highest standards in safety and stewardship.
We’ve also won the National Tank Truck Carriers Safety Award. According to Daniel R. Furth, President of the National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc., carriers who win this award “must absolutely embrace a safety culture from the drivers’ room to the board room.”
We are dedicated to safe driving and always ensure that our drivers receive the best in safety training.
Useful Tips
Whether you’re driving a tank truck or you’re out on a summer road trip, safety is paramount. Here are a few things all drivers can do to ensure they have a safe summer on the road:
- Stay hydrated
- Take frequent rest stops
- Get plenty of sleep before you head out on the road
- Keep your vehicle maintained
- Stay focused and alert when you’re behind the wheel
We want everyone to have a safe and happy summer, and safe summer driving is a huge part of that.
Interested in being a part of the Northwest Tank Lines? We are always looking for qualified and motivated drivers to join our team. View our current opportunities today!
