The hot weather is upon us, which may really enjoy but as a delivery driver, the summer months can bring just as many challenges as the cold temperatures of winter. Delivery drivers should always be mindful of the impact of extreme weather on their vehicles, road safety, and health. So, we have created this list of handy tips to keep you cool in your van and summer-ready!
Air Conditioning
If your van has air-con, consider yourself lucky! Make the most of it on those hot summer days while you’re out most of the day, dealing with traffic and working hard on delivering great service. A blast of the air-con can combat drowsiness and keep you cool.
In a van with no air conditioning, open the windows to allow the air to circulate fresh, cooler air through the cab. Keep in mind that this will increase drag and affect your fuel efficiency, but will help you maintain your concentration.
Try to avoid keeping your vehicle too cool, though, as getting out of the van to make your deliveries means your body will experience temperature changes that can cause heat stress, so maintaining a constant temperature is advised.
Roadworks
Better weather tends to mean more roadworks and holiday traffic. Being prepared by ensuring your route is as efficient as possible will save you fuel and time when you are making your deliveries.
Stay Hydrated
As you’re on the road constantly, it is essential that you stay hydrated. Store bottled water in a cool, dark area within your van to make sure it doesn’t get warm. Better yet, freeze a bottle the day before and grab it before you leave for work. Use it as an ice pack to cool you down while it melts, then drink the ice-cold water to stay fresh and hydrated throughout the day. You could also consider taking healthy snacks in your van, such as fruit and vegetables, which have high water content.
Weather Forecast
Heatwaves can come out of nowhere, so make sure you check the weather forecast regularly to make sure you are prepared for extreme weather. This will give you time to prepare your van for hot weather road conditions (such as slick roads), tyre conditions and brake performance.
Hay Fever
As soon as the weather changes, hay fever sufferers start to experience the symptoms of puffy eyes and sniffly noses, which is difficult when your profession involves driving. As a delivery driver, you must make sure that your medication doesn’t cause drowsiness to ensure you can drive safely. To reduce your level of exposure to pollen, close windows and vents in your van and keep tissues on hand.
Sun Protection
We’ve all been there: the sun is beaming down through the driver’s side window of the van, and before you know it, you have a rather impressive ‘van tan’. While the significantly tanned right arm wasn’t the look you were going for, it is part and parcel of being a van driver.
That being said, protecting yourself from the sun is essential for your health. During the summer months, keep your skin safe by maintaining a good supply of sun lotion in your van and applying it throughout the day. Wearing a hat and sunglasses will help protect your head from the sunlight and reduce the impairment of your vision caused by bright sunlight on the road.
Dress Appropriately
Appearance is more important for delivery drivers, as it creates a strong professional image. Making sure you are dressed appropriately can make all the difference in staying cooler in hot weather. When the weather gets hotter, avoid wearing heavy trousers and jumpers for smart short-sleeved shirts and shorts. Most workwear includes this option for drivers, whether you have a specified uniform or not. If not, ask for permission. Also, since darker colours absorb more heat, try wearing lighter colours on hot days.
Reduce Glare
Summer days are bright and can create visibility issues due to glare. To combat this, ensure your washer levels are maintained, and the wipers are in good condition. Combine external cleaning with the use of a microfibre cloth and glass cleaner on the inside, and your windscreen will be sparkling clean, improving visibility.
Vehicle Checks
Taking care of your vehicle in hot weather can help you avoid faults, breakdowns and delays. To keep your van safe and on the road for your deliveries, perform regular checks on your vehicle and tyres. Your tyres should be in good condition in hot weather, and incorrect inflation can increase wear significantly. When performing vehicle checks, remember to be aware of your air conditioning functions and the levels of your brake fluid, wiper fluid and radiator coolant levels.
Take Breaks
As a delivery driver, you may find yourself caught between rising temperatures and an evolving economy, making it hard to balance your workload. That being said, taking appropriate breaks not only increases your productivity and morale but also helps avoid burnout and, in hotter weather, heatstroke. Knowing the signs of heatstroke as a delivery driver is critical; if you begin to feel agitated, confused or disoriented, it is considered a medical emergency. Taking regular breaks and keeping cool can help you to avoid health issues and keep you fit and well, too.
Summary
The weather in the UK is vastly unpredictable, but staying prepared can keep you in control and safe on the road. Taking precautions when temperatures rise will help ensure your van runs efficiently and avoid overheating and costly breakdowns. Combining those vehicle checks with nourishing your health in the heat will ensure that you can maintain your work schedule and profits year-round!