During the months of June, July, and August 2021, for example, traffic-related deaths increased about 9%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.[2]

Overall, traffic fatalities are on the rise nationally, marked by a 16-year high in traffic fatalities in 2021.[1] Specifically, fatalities involving at least one large truck increased 13%; multi-vehicle crashes are up 16%; and daytime fatalities increased by 11% over 2020 statistics.

Keeping a lookout for common travel-related hazards can help fleet drivers from becoming a statistic.

7 tips for navigating summer driving

You may log thousands of miles a month but the fact is that not everyone on the road is as experienced a driver. Consider the following dangers you may encounter over the summer, and plan accordingly to keep you and your fleet safe.

1. Rear end collisions. As the number one cause of accidents, rear-end collisions account for about a quarter of all road accidents,[3] according to the most recent data. Further, these collisions are among the highest paid out insurance claims, with cases often taking longer to resolve.
   
   Safety Tip: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the driver in front of you.
2. Wildlife. Many summertime accidents occur when truck drivers swerve to avoid an animal on the road. Drivers run the risk of the truck jackknifing, flipping over and/or hitting another vehicle when swerving.
   
   Safety Tip: Don’t swerve to avoid hitting the wildlife. While the truck will incur some damage upon impact, swerving can cause greater damage and risk to human life.
3. Backing into parked vehicles. Accidents associated with trucks backing into parked vehicles occur frequently. These generally result in smaller claims because typically no one is in the parked car.
   
   Safety Tip: Check the area behind the truck and use all mirrors and available technology before backing up.
4. Holiday/vacation drivers. Though more of an issue in vacation spots like Florida and the Gulf states, fleets should be on the lookout for tourists that are not familiar with the roadways. Be on the lookout for erratic behavior such as sudden braking to reach an exit, for example.
   
   Safety Tip: Keep an eye out for vacationers traveling by car and allow extra time when traveling through touristy areas during the summer and holidays.‍
5. More weekend traffic. Vacationers and rural drivers unfamiliar with the area often drive into the city over the summer weekends. According to the National Safety Council, fatal car crashes most frequently occurred on the weekends in 2020.[4]
   
   Safety Tip: Pay close attention to license plates to identify out-of-state drivers. Keep your distance and be on the lookout for sudden lane changes or braking at exit ramps.‍
6. Hurricanes. Tropical storms are prevalent in the Gulf Coast and the Southeast region, and even in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast region of the United States from June to November. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting 14 to 21 named storms, 6 to 10 of which could be hurricanes.[5]
   
   Safety Tip: Pay attention to storm and hurricane warnings. Don’t risk your life to reach your destination. Anticipate the possibility of the weather changing quickly and seek shelter when a hurricane is imminent.‍
7. Windstorms. Midwestern states, as well as northern Texas and southern Colorado, can run into high winds, particularly in the late summer. Because trucks have greater surface area, strong winds can hit with forces strong enough to blow trucks off the road. The best-case scenario is a vehicle damage claim, but the worse-case scenario can involve other vehicles, bodily injury, or worse.
   
   Safety Tip: Monitor weather conditions and route around windstorms when possible.

Summer advice for truckers

In addition to having a heightened awareness of potential summer driving hazards, fleets can also help truckers prepare for summer driving with the following strategies:

• Plan ahead. With the aid of real-time traffic websites and apps, schedule your trips to avoid peak traffic times.
• Don’t neglect maintenance. In the summer heat, tires are more prone to blowouts and idling engines heat up more quickly. Monitor tire pressure and coolant levels.
• Stay cool and hydrated. Drink water and keep your cabin at a comfortable temperature.‍
• Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving — it’s against the law in most states. Limit talking on the phone while driving to stay focused on the road

As the weather heats up, truck drivers must stay cool headed and up to date on current traffic and weather conditions. Check in with your local state motor carrier and FMCSA for national guidance and weather alerts.

For more information on keeping your fleet safe, reach out to learn about Nirvana’s Safety Platform.

[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “Newly Released Estimates Show Traffic Fatalities Reached a 16-Year High in 2021”, May 17, 2022.

[2] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “Traffic Safety Facts”, May 2022.

[3] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “Analyses of Rear-End Crashes and Near-Crashes in the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study to Support Rear-Signaling Countermeasure Development”, October 2007.

[4] National Safety Council “Crashes by Time of Day and Day of Week”.

[5] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration “NOAA predicts above-normal 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season”, May 10, 2022.