Heat is one of the biggest problems for professional drivers in summer. High temperatures over long days and journeys can lead to ‘heat stress’, commonly called ‘heat stroke’. Some symptoms of heat stress are: tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, vomiting or loss of consciousness.
To avoid heat stress in the cabin during the route, it is important to follow some recommendations:
- Constantly hydrate yourself: drinking water is key to cope with the heat. Remember to always carry a bottle of water and keep it in a cool place in the cabin. Even if you are not thirsty, remember to drink water frequently.
- Eat healthy: avoid heavy and fatty foods such as fried foods, excess salt and sugar. These slow down digestion and increase body temperature. Choose light, healthy foods with more nutrients such as vegetables, protein and fruit.
- Sleep well: High temperatures affect sleep. You need to sleep 7 to 8 hours a day. If you notice any symptoms of drowsiness during your trip, park in a safe place and rest as much as possible.
- Protect your skin and eyesight: use sunscreen to avoid getting burned during loading and unloading and when leaving the truck. Sunburns increase the internal temperature, which can lead to heat stroke, and it is important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyesight.
- Keep the cabin conditioned: before getting into the truck, open all the doors and roll down the windows so that the heat comes out of the vehicle. Once you have expelled it, you can turn on the air conditioning.
- Light clothes: wearing clothes that allow perspiration is essential. Very thick fabrics increase body heat and the chances of heat stroke.
Taking care of yourself behind the wheel involves many things and protecting yourself from the heat in summer is one of them. Don’t underestimate it!
