5 Things Truck Drivers Should Consider During Hurricane Season

The U.S. sustains upwards of 12 named storms each year, with accompanying torrential rains and high winds putting truck drivers in harm’s way.

During the 2020 hurricane season, CDL professionals experienced among the worst delays and hazardous conditions as the country saw a record-setting 30 named storms. Among them, 14 reached category three status, and 11 qualified as hurricanes. The general uncertainty of where these dangerous storms will make landfall and at what strength tasks truckers with taking safety precautions. The following rank among the prudent measures drivers would be wise to consider.

1: Stay Informed about Storm Progressions

When high-wind storms are hovering off the coast, that is not the time to turn off electronic devices with weather trackers. Truckers would be well-served to set apps to deliver severe weather alerts 24-7. These beeps and clicks may grow annoying at times. However, when unexpected storms crop up or a hurricane abruptly changes direction, an alert helps maximize advanced warning. The point being, leave weather alerts on whenever practical.

2: Stay Ahead of the Weather

By using radar apps and following hurricane trajectories, CDL-holders gain valuable knowledge. The information can be leveraged to estimate when and where severe winds will strike. This allows truckers to plan routes. Drivers can either get far ahead of the impending storm or pivot away to a safe area.

3: Anticipate Significant Traffic Delays

People who live in places that experience a high volume of storms typically employ a single safety strategy. They leave. Truckers shouldn’t be surprised when people along the Gulf Coast flood highways hauling fifth-wheels and campers as they headed to safe havens. Those prepared community members are likely to be surrounded by cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. Sometimes massive traffic jams will have a significant impact on a heavy-duty vehicle’s ability to cover ground. When planning a route that may be affected by severe weather traffic, account for lengthy delays.

4: Remain Mindful of Road Conditions

Experienced truck drivers sometimes learn the hard way that road conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Many understand that a meteorologist’s forecast can run a tad behind the boots-on-the-ground conditions. That’s largely why freight-haulers must weigh road conditions based on what they see and feel. If you think the conditions are worsening faster than the weather report indicates, follow your instincts.

5: Get Off the Road Before a Crisis

The adage that “it’s better to be safe than sorry” applies perfectly to the truck-driving trades. Drivers are smart to pull off highways before the conditions escalate and find a secure place to hunker down. Keep in mind that a tractor-trailer can present substantial sail for the wind to push. Face your rig so the high winds are not focused on the side of the trailer. Seek out safe windbreak whenever possible to reduce the fast-moving air.

Sources: truckinginfo.com, omnitracs.com