Staying safe in Monsoon: Tips for truck drivers in India

Truck drivers in India must prioritize safety during the monsoon season. Driving during the monsoon season can be difficult due to the severe rain and flooding that frequently occurs. Roads are frequently flooded with rain, making them slippery and dangerous. Driving safely becomes more difficult because of the poor vision caused by fog and heavy rain.

Monsoons may lead to floods, resulting in road closures, as well as making roadways slippery and unsafe. Rain can also generate potholes and other abnormalities in the road surface, making it harder to drive safely.

Additionally, the monsoon season increases the risk of landslides and road debris. Driving during the monsoon season requires particular caution. This article provides essential tips to navigate through severe rain, flooding, and reduced visibility, ensuring safety on slippery and hazardous roads.

Tips for truck drivers in India During the Monsoon Season

The monsoon season can be challenging for drivers. The possibility of an accident is higher than usual due to the slippery roadways caused by the rain. However, with proper precautions and driving practices, you may remain safe during the monsoon season. Here are a few tips for truck drivers driving in India during the monsoon season.

Check the weather forecast

Before you head out on a long trip, check the weather forecast. This helps you plan your route better. As you travel, keep an eye on the weather updates. If things change, you can adjust your route accordingly. 

It's all about staying informed and making smart decisions to have a safer journey, especially during the monsoon season. Always pay attention to the road markings and lane dividers to stay in the right lane. 

When it's raining heavily, these markings might be harder to see, so keep a close watch to stay in your lane. Good lane discipline helps keep everyone safe, especially during tricky conditions like heavy rain.

Reduce your speed

When driving during the rainy season, one of the most crucial precautions to take is to slow down. This gives you more time to react to any risks and keep control of your vehicle. Slowing down will also help you prevent hydroplaning, which is dangerous when driving on wet roads.

Avoiding Pothole

Keep an eye out for potholes when it rains. Slow down when you see one so you don't damage your truck and have a smoother ride.

Fill up your fuel tank

Before you leave, make sure you have filled up your fuel tank. This will save you from running out of fuel on the road and having to seek for a petrol pump in the rain. 

In the case of a traffic congestion or an emergency, such as a breakdown, you will require fuel to reach safely. Furthermore, make sure you have enough fuel to reach your location without running out.

Keep distances

During the monsoon season, you may experience heavy rain. As vision decreases, we recommend keeping a safe space between your truck and the vehicle in front of you. 

This will give you enough time to react to any rapid changes in road conditions caused by heavy rainfall or flooding. Maintaining a suitable safety distance during emergency braking helps minimize the danger of an accident.

Keep your headlights on

Seeing and being seen on the road is the most important guideline during the monsoon season. One of the most critical safety precautions to take is to keep your headlights turned on while driving. We recommend that you maintain your headlights on low beam so that you do not blind the drivers on the opposite side of the road. 

Remember that high beams may be too intense for opposing drivers, reducing their visibility. Finally, if you pull over, switch on your hazard lights so that other vehicles know you're stopped. Turning on your headlights makes it easier for other drivers to see you and helps reduce accidents caused by poor visibility.

Always keep an emergency kit in your truck

It is critical to always keep an emergency pack in your truck during the rainy season in case of an unexpected breakdown or accident. This kit should include a first aid kit, flashlights, blankets, and other emergency supplies. Also, be sure you always have water and food, such as power bars.

Also Read: Types of Trucks in India: A Comprehensive Overview

Things you must check before Monsoon seasons

Before the monsoon season starts in India, make sure your vehicle is prepared for the rains. As a result, it is critical to keep your vehicle in good working order. Here are some things you should perform before the rainy season starts.

Check your tyre tread

The first thing we recommend you inspect before the monsoon season is your tyres. Because they are the only component that connects your truck to the road, keeping your tyres in good condition for rainy conditions is critical. 

Check the tyre pressure levels to improve road handling and grip. Also, we recommend checking the wear on your tyres to ensure you have sufficient grip when driving on wet roads. To ensure optimal performance and avoid aquaplaning, your tyres' tread should be at least 3mm deep.

Check your windshield wipers

Before you hit the road during the monsoon, check your windscreen wipers to ensure they are in good working order. Replace them if they become worn or damaged, as they will be your first line of defense against severe rain. 

This will help ensure that the heavy rain does not hinder your eyesight. Additionally, ensure that your windshield is clear and free of any dirt or debris that may impair your view.

Check your brakes

One of the most important things you should do before driving during the monsoon season is to inspect your brakes. Check your brakes regularly and service them as needed. 

This will ensure that your brakes can handle rainy roads while keeping you safe. Being able to brake effectively during the wet season is critical. This is why we recommend that you have your brake pads and disks examined by an experienced technician.

Check Your Ac And Windscreen Defogging

Before you go on the trip, make sure your truck's air conditioning system (if you have ac in the truck cabin) and windscreen defogging system are in good working order. 

Check that the air conditioning system is working properly and that the windscreen is not fogged or misty. This will provide you better visibility and lessen the danger of accidents.

Check your headlights

Finally, we recommend that you check that all of your lights (headlights, taillights, hazard lights, and indicators) are working properly and that you have a full set of spare bulbs. 

This will allow you to have greater visibility and views throughout the rainy season. In addition, if your headlights are working properly, other drivers will see you more clearly.

Als Read: Top 5 things you should know about being a Truck Driver

CMV360 Says

In short, staying safe on the roads during India's monsoon season demands extra care and planning, especially for truck drivers. With heavy rain, flooded streets, limited visibility, and potential dangers like landslides and debris, it's crucial to be vigilant. 

Following simple advice like driving slower, leaving ample space between vehicles, using headlights, carrying emergency supplies, and getting your vehicle checked before the rains hit can greatly lower the chance of accidents. 

Remember, taking proactive steps and being ready beforehand are essential for ensuring your safety amidst the unpredictable conditions of the monsoon.