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For the windshield, working wipers are imperative, as is a
working washer system. Wiper blades are made of rubber that
must be in good condition. Softer rubber cleans the glass surface
better — but it also wears out more quickly. Replacing wipers is
a necessary expense; they should be changed at the first sign of
streaking or loss of coverage.
Washer solvent is particularly valuable when roads are wet,
especially if anti-icing chemicals or salt have been used on the
road surface. Washer solvent is sold in a variety of quality levels.
Cheap washer fluid can solidify in the narrow lines and nozzles
that spray the windshield, and it may freeze at nearly the same
temperature as plain water. Once frozen, it can be difficult to
get everything thawed and get the washer working again. Quality
solvent may cost more, but it is well worth the price when
conditions are rough.
Also keep in mind that windows and mirrors can’t be effective
if they are blocked by items inside the truck. The passenger
seat might be a convenient spot to store luggage or other things,
but if they block your view from the window or in the mirrors,
it’s a self-created hazard. Using the dashboard as a shelf for
paperwork, trash and other items can block visibility. Further,
light-colored items can be reflected in the windshield, creating a
distraction, especially at night.
Technology has provided the driver with more information
than ever before, but that same technology creates a hazard
if mounted in a manner that blocks visibility. Regulations set
by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration prohibit
mounting items on the windshield in the area covered by the
wipers.
Steering wheels are often adjustable. This won’t help with
windows and mirrors, but visibility is important for viewing
gauges and driver controls. If the driver has to shift their position
to see the gauges, the steering wheel should be adjusted to
a point where visibility is maximized.
The sun can be brutal at times, especially when reflected off
snow or water. Tinted windows and visors can help, but every
driver occasionally needs more help. A pair of quality sunglasses
is a must.
At times, the sun comes in from an angle that no amount of
visor adjusting can block. A baseball or trucker’s cap can be a
valuable tool. It may look crazy — or cool, depending on your
point of view — but the hat can be worn with the bill in any
position necessary to block the glaring sun.
Sometimes vehicle positioning can help, too. Following another
truck closely can be dangerous when traveling at speeds
that don’t allow for stopping if the truck in front brakes suddenly.
Even at slow speeds, however, if trailer doors are taking
up most of your field of vision, backing off will increase the area
you can see.
Finally, rest is an important factor in eyesight. Drivers who
are fatigued often don’t keep up the continuous eye scan needed
to remain aware of hazards all around the vehicle. In addition,
tired drivers may not process the information gathered by their
eyes, leading to errors in judgment. And, of course, closed eyes
don’t see anything.
Keep glass and mirrors clean, use all of them and don’t drive
when fatigued, and you’ll find it easier to identify and deal with
the hazards you’ll face every mile you drive.
The Trucker Media Group is
looking for a multi-media
advertising sales executive.
✔Full✔time,✔competitive✔
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salary✔and✔benefits
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MegL@TheTruckerMediaGroup.com
www.TheTrucker.com/Jobs the trucker jobs magazine | APRIL 2023 15