Daylight Saving Time is the practice of advancing clocks by one hour during the spring and setting them back one hour during the fall. While Daylight Saving Time can provide some benefits, it can also disrupt sleep patterns which lead to many people struggling to adjust to the change.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) can also have a real impact on commercial truck drivers, as they try to adjust to the time change. For commercial truck drivers, DST can mean disrupted sleep schedules, difficulty complying with federal logging regulations, and being on the roads with drivers who may also be fatigued.
The adjustment to can be especially challenging for drivers who are already struggling with sleep deprivation, as they try to adapt to the shift in their body clocks. With the added pressure of tight deadlines and strict regulations on driving hours, we cannot underestimate the impact of DST on truck drivers.
How DST Can Affect Commercial Truck Drivers
On Sunday, March 12, most of the United States will “spring” ahead as Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins. One challenge that commercial truck drivers may face during this period is sharing the road with drivers who may be struggling to adjust to the time change. This can be especially dangerous on busy highways and interstates.
Daylight Saving Time can also impact truck drivers’ compliance with federal logging regulations. These regulations limit the number of consecutive hours that a driver can spend behind the wheel without taking a break, and drivers who exceed these limits may face fines or other penalties.
Since E-logs (ELDs) are federally mandated, E-log providers will automatically adjust the time of commercial truck drivers’ logs when DST begins and ends. During the transition, commercial truck drivers must be careful to ensure that they are logging their driving hours accurately and taking enough rest breaks.
Navigating the Challenges of Daylight Saving Time
To ensure your safety and reduce the risks associated with Daylight Saving Time, you can take several precautions on the road. Consider the following strategies as you try to navigate the challenges of the time change:
Maintain your commercial truck: Make sure that your commercial truck is in good shape and is well-maintained. This can help reduce the chances of a breakdown or an accident on the road.
Plan ahead: Before hitting the road, take some time to adjust your sleep schedule and get enough rest to ensure that you’re rested and alert. This can help reduce the risks that are typically connected with fatigued driving.
Be aware of where you are: As you drive your commercial truck, be cautious of signs of impairment in other drivers on the road. If you notice any signs that a driver may be impaired, such as switching between lanes or braking out of turn, maintain your distance and be careful when passing.
Take breaks: To comply with federal regulations, we recommend taking regular breaks throughout the day. Use this time to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and recharge your body.
Stay flexible: During the time transition, you may find that you need to adjust your schedule or your driving routes to make sure that you’re able to comply with regulations while getting enough rest.
Adjust to the changing conditions: As the days get longer, you may need to adjust your driving habits to help you adjust to the changing light conditions. Be familiar with the roads you’re driving on and the time of day, and adjust your speed accordingly.
The Role of Commercial Truck Insurance
With longer days and more daylight, there may be an increase in traffic on the road, which could increase the likelihood of accidents or collisions. Fortunately, commercial truck insurance can help protect you in the event of an accident or breakdown during the time transition. Commercial truck insurance is a major piece to any trucking operation and can provide essential protection and peace of mind. This is why it’s important to understand the specific coverages and limits of your policy, including liability coverage and cargo coverage for lost or damaged goods.
You must make sure that you have the proper coverage and are familiar with the terms of your policy before you hit the road. While one hour may not seem like much, the changing time does have its impact. However, when you are protected with the right insurance, you can stay safe and worry-free as you take to the roads. Don’t let the time change be an added stress point for your trucking operations. Knowing what you have in terms of commercial truck insurancecan help you stay focused on getting where you need to go safely and securely.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to make sure you have the right coverage. Contact us today to request a free quote and discuss your insurance needs with one of our knowledgeable agents. We’ll work with you to create a customized insurance plan that fits your specific requirements and helps keep you covered, no matter what challenges the road may bring. We provide commercial truck or owner operator insurance in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, North Carolina & South Carolina.
