Mastering Summer Driving with Marten: Tips for a Cool and Comfortable Journey
For many professional drivers, nothing beats summer driving. At Marten, we understand that the longer daylight hours provide more opportunities for our drivers to excel on the road, allowing them to cover more ground and make better time.
Our drivers deserve to experience the open road without unnecessary obstacles, and that's why we emphasize the importance of summer driving preparedness. While summer offers the chance to revel in the scenic beauty of nature, with green landscapes and blooming flowers against spectacular sunrises and sets, it's essential to stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and prioritize safety at all times.
With Marten, you can embark on your summer adventures with confidence, knowing that we care about your comfort, well-being, and success on the road.
Staying Hydrated
As you hit the open road, it's crucial to prioritize staying hydrated. The scorching heat of summer can quickly lead to dehydration, especially for those spending long hours behind the wheel. Adequate water intake is not just a matter of comfort but also essential for your health and safety. Dehydration can impair cognitive function, decrease alertness, and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Remember that even mild dehydration can impact your ability to focus and react quickly, posing a serious risk to yourself and others on the road.
Make it a habit to keep a supply of water within easy reach and drink regularly throughout your journey. If you really want to challenge yourself, consider buying one of these motivating gallon water bottles and see how close you get to drinking it all. If you want to compete with others or want something interactive to help encourage you, check out any of these apps.
Pro tip: To make drinking water more enjoyable and give yourself a competitive edge, infuse it with fresh lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, cucumber, kiwi, strawberry, or any other fruit of your choice. You can even buy water flavoring packets ranging from Skittles flavor to Sonic cherry limeade!
Keeping Cool
Beating the heat this summer doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some cost-effective and easy ways to help you stay cool during those hot summer days.
- Mini clip-on fans: Designed for convenience and comfort, these fans easily attach to your dashboard or air vents, providing a refreshing breeze to keep you cool during those hot summer drives. Whether you're navigating long stretches of highway or stuck in traffic, these portable fans offer instant relief from the heat, helping you stay focused and comfortable behind the wheel. With adjustable speeds and quiet operation, mini clip-on fans are perfect for truck drivers.
- Damp neck towel: This is the ultimate cooling companion for truck drivers on the go. Soak the towel in water, wring out the excess, and drape it around your neck for instant relief from the sweltering temperatures. As the water evaporates, it creates a cooling sensation that helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you comfortable and focused during long hours on the road.
- Cap and sunglasses: A lightweight, breathable cap helps shield your eyes from the sun's glare while keeping your head cool and protected from direct sunlight. Paired with sunglasses, not only do they offer UV protection for your eyes, but they also reduce glare and eye strain, ensuring clear vision on the road ahead.
Making a Great Driving Experience
Something you may not have considered if you’ve never spent a summer driving is the increase in annoying pests like flies and mosquitoes. These insects are naturally more active in the summertime and can be really annoying if they find a way into your cab. Investing in a fly swatter or mini bug zapper will save you a lot of annoyance and even provide you with some in-cab entertainment!
Another thing to keep in mind as we amp up for summer driving is the increased amount of road work, construction zones, and traffic from families vacationing. Try to keep a cool head in these situations and be as patient as possible. Some drivers opt to drive in the evening and early morning hours to avoid these sorts of obstacles.
As you embark on your summer adventures with Marten, embrace the joys of the open road while prioritizing your comfort and safety. With our unwavering support and these handy tips, you're ready to conquer the summer highways with confidence and ease.