News

There’s something elite about trucking through Colorado in summer. The bright blue skies against soaring mountains stir the senses. Summertime in Colorado also brings plenty to irritate the senses, though: heavy rainstorms, crazy traffic, and worst of all, heat-related problems that can cause brake malfunction at the worst possible moment. Safety can be a huge stressor in summer!

That’s why we put together a handy run down of trucking safely in the Colorado summer.  We’ve identified four of the biggest safety risks to Colorado truck drivers, and what you can do about them. Read on…

More glare from the sun

Summer days in Colorado are long, with the sun sitting much higher in the sky. While this does wonders for a truck driver’s mood, the more intense glare from the sun can make visibility more difficult.

Make sure you have the right gear to haul safely on summer days.

• Invest in sunglasses with polarized lenses in brown or amber. These help cut the glare from horizontal and reflected light. Plus the brown shade enhances contrast on objects, making them easier to see even on cloudless days.
• Make good use of your rig’s sun visors, to help reduce the glare at all angles.

The warm sun is usually welcomed by most Colorado truck drivers. The right sun protection helps keep that good feeling going, and keeps you safer, too.

Increased traffic

Sure, Colorado is a year-round tourist destination. The summer heat and sun, however, really bring people out to The Centennial State. That means major routes like I-70 are full of excited tourists, including ones who may never have driven in the mountains before. Be on the lookout for vacationers, and follow these tips.

• Leave extra space to stop while you’re on the haul. You may be behind a nervous driver tackling the mountain passes for the first time.
• Watch out for drivers who are excited or impatient to reach their destination, too.
• If you spot a driver who is clearly having trouble on steep grades, don’t hesitate to call them in. It isn’t uncommon to see an RV, or a pickup with a fifth wheel, having a hard go of it on the I-70.

Summertime also brings something that’s unpleasant for everyone:  traffic delays due to road construction. Yes, Colorado’s “bonus season”, made necessary due to the relatively short period snow-free season, is universally disliked. A few ways to ease the irritation:

• Look for any lane closures or construction work while you’re planning your route. Consider taking an alternative way if possible.
• Stay patient during delays and keep watch for frustrated motorists who may act impulsively.
• If an extensive construction plan will impact one of your regular routes, notify dispatch so clients can be informed.

Traffic can be a thorn in a truck driver’s side, but a little planning ahead can make it much less painful.

Wild weather

Even in summertime, Colorado weather can impact trucking. While the snow and ice may be gone, heavy rain and severe natural disasters can slow you down on the haul – or even put you in dangerous situations.

Here are just a few summer weather events that wreak havoc on truck drivers:

• Just like in winter, Rocky Mountain summer weather can change on a dime. Sunny skies in the morning can quickly give way to torrential downpours by noon.
• While rare, and more likely to occur during spring, heavy rains can cause flash flooding, particularly in underpasses.
• Sadly, forest fires are a reality in summer. They can produce heavy smoke which makes visibility difficult. In extreme cases, they can force the closure of major roadways.

To handle Colorado summer weather while you’re on the haul, you’ll need to plan ahead and expect the unexpected.  Be sure to continuously monitor the weather (and forest fire) reports and know when you can expect to be delayed.

Summer also brings extreme heat to Colorado. This can cause issues with your truck’s engines, tire pressure, and braking system. That brings us to the biggest summer trucking hazard in Colorado:

Overheated brakes = Runaway rigs

This is the situation no one ever wants to find themselves in: overheated brakes caused by steep mountain downgrades, causing total brake failure. The result is every mountain truck driver’s fear: a runaway rig on a busy highway.

If you’re an experienced mountain truck driver, you’ve already had training in how to avoid overheated brakes. Nevertheless, here’s a few reminders on staying safe on steep grades.

• Always use the recommended lower gear on downgrades.
• Make note of runaway truck ramps on your route. The Colorado Department of Transportation has an interactive map on their website.
• If the worst happens, and you lose your brakes, STAY CALM. Easier said than done, we know! Radio dispatch and the police, put on your hazards, and steer towards the shoulder. Then make for the nearest runaway ramp.
• Remember: there are zero penalties for truck drivers who use a runaway truck ramp. It’s there to save lives – including yours.

These steps should help prevent the loss of your brakes at the worst possible moment – and help prevent catastrophe if you do.

Summertime trucking in Colorado comes with frustrations and hazards. These can usually be avoided, though, with careful planning and knowing what to do when one arises. Most regional truck drivers, though, will agree the gorgeous sunny days outweigh any of the downsides.  Take a look at Truline’s current job opportunities, and see what we mean.