Hot weather can sometimes be a nuisance for truck drivers. On hot days, those making long journeys can have trouble resting comfortably in their cabs.
Air conditioning during stops on hot days
During a stopover, when it comes time for a coveted rest, the air conditioning in most trucks simply does not work. If the temperature outside reaches 30 degrees, it can get really hot in the driver’s cabin, which significantly reduces the quality of rest. Needless to say, driver fatigue can have dire consequences. Reduced concentration, fatigue and delayed reaction time can contribute to many dangerous situations on the road.
This raises the question of how to ensure the comfort of drivers, so that during long journeys they can rest decently and gain strength before embarking on a further journey. One of the solutions available on the market are parking air conditioners, which, however, are not basic vehicle equipment. On the other hand, making a stop with the engine running while using an air conditioner is impossible due to legal or ecological aspects. It would seem that using air conditioning in countries with warmer climates is not unusual. Meanwhile, fines ranging from 218 to 435 euros are threatened in Italy to drivers for leaving the engine running while the car is stationary in order to run the air conditioning in it.
Bans on truck traffic at certain times
Another problem is holiday traffic bans for trucks during certain hours. We encounter such regulations in many countries. In Poland, such bans are in effect on Fridays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Taking a “forced rest” during peak heat hours, instead of having the positive effect of a rested worker, can have the opposite effect.
Parking air conditioning and regulations
The lack of regulations, regulating the obligation to equip fleets with parking air conditioning, may be a problem for drivers, but the introduction of changes in this area is unlikely to happen too soon. On the issue of the ban on moving on certain days, modifications are as possible. We encountered such a solution one weekend, when Hungarian authorities lifted the holiday ban out of concern for driver safety.
Currently, there is no indication that the situation for truck drivers could change anytime soon. However, the existing problem and its potential negative consequences should not be forgotten. It is important to remind drivers about regular hydration and possible ways to cope with oppressive temperatures, which will allow them to survive the most difficult moments.
