This month on the RCC blog, we’re sharing late-summer safety tips for drivers, from navigating end-of-season storms to staying alert in changing daylight hours. Stay safe, stay ready.
At Roeder Cartage Company, safety isn’t a slogan—it’s our standard. From hazmat training to constant CSA monitoring and mentorship, RCC’s culture is built to keep drivers, communities, and cargo safe on every run.
1) Watch the skies: late-summer storms are peaking
Late summer into early fall is prime time for severe weather in much of the U.S.—including the heart of Atlantic hurricane season, which historically peaks in early September. Before you roll, check the forecast along your entire route and build in alternate plans. In heavy rain or high winds: slow down, increase following distance, and avoid cruise control so you can instantly modulate speed if traction changes.
If tornado warnings are issued: Never shelter under an overpass; wind can accelerate through the “tunnel,” turning debris deadly. Seek a sturdy building if possible. If caught on the road with no safe shelter, pull off as safely as you can, keep your seatbelt on, and protect your head.
Tanker tip: Gusty crosswinds can “push” a partially filled tank more than a loaded one. Reduce speed before exposed bridges and open stretches and keep steering inputs smooth.
2) Conquer glare and changing daylight
Late-summer sun sits low on the horizon at dawn and dusk, creating brutal glare just when traffic builds. Keep your windshield (inside and out) spotless, use your visor effectively, and wear quality sunglasses to cut glare. If a specific segment of your route is consistently blinding, consider shifting your timing or choosing a more shaded path.
As days shorten, double-check lighting on every pre-trip. Clean lenses/reflectors, confirm all markers and brake lights, and repair any dim or flickering bulbs before you move.
3) Back-to-school means back-to-slow
School zones, bus stops, and crosswalks are active again. Expect sudden stops and unpredictable pedestrian movement around early mornings and late afternoons. Obey posted speeds in school zones, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and never pass a school bus with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended.
4) Harvest season: share the road with farm equipment
On rural routes, anticipate slow-moving tractors and combines entering or exiting fields, often around blind hills or curves. Watch for the SMV (Slow-Moving Vehicle) emblem—the fluorescent orange triangle—and adjust speed and following distance well in advance. Pass only when legal and unquestionably safe.
5) Work zones don’t go on vacation
Late-season road projects can mean lane shifts, narrowed shoulders, and abrupt slowdowns. Merge early when directed, obey posted work-zone speeds, and scan for flaggers and workers near the travel lane. Remember: in wet weather, reduce speed even more to keep traction and reaction time.
6) Heat is still a hazard
Even as nights cool, cabs, brakes, and tires can run hot in the afternoon sun and stop-and-go traffic. Stay hydrated, take short movement breaks, and avoid heavy meals that sap alertness. If storms roll in after a hot, dry stretch, road film can make the first minutes of rain extra slick—slow down and leave more space. Consider disabling cruise control on wet pavement to maintain immediate throttle control.
7) Guard your alertness as routines shift
As pickup times change with school schedules and daylight, so do sleep patterns. Build your day around quality rest, use strategic breaks, and follow FMCSA Hours-of-Service rules to keep fatigue in check. For a refresher, review the HOS limits (11-hour drive, 14-hour window, required off-duty time) and plan accordingly.
Rolling with RCC
Momentum isn’t just speed—it’s the disciplined habits that carry you safely through the season: smart weather calls, cleaner glass, calmer merges, extra patience around buses and farm traffic, and rest you can count on. That’s how pros protect themselves and everyone around them.
RCC’s team backs you up with training, mentorship, and a safety-first culture—every mile, every month. If you’re ready to drive with a company that treats safety as a shared responsibility, let’s talk.