As we navigate these unprecedented times amid the coronavirus pandemic, truckers are driving greater distances and for longer hours to transport necessary items like food and medical supplies around the country. As the necessity of social distancing increases the demand for at-home delivery of groceries and other staples, truckers are not able to hunker down in the safety of their own homes during this crisis. As a result, they expose themselves to health risks every day as they keep the supply chain intact and alleviate shortages of our basic household needs and protective gear—including masks.
While truckers are able to practice social distancing when on the road, they are potentially exposing themselves to the virus at every pick-up, drop-off and gas station stop they make along the way. However, there are measures all truckers can take to keep themselves healthy, safe and comfortable while delivering goods across the country.
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you have proper products to protect yourself from the virus, including:
Face Masks
Per CDC’s updated recommendations, they are now suggesting everyone cover their mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when out in public to prevent spreading COVID-19. While many places are out of stock, there a various methods of making a homemade mask with items you already have that will be just as effective.
Disinfectant Wipes
While truckers are able to practice social distancing when on the road, they are potentially exposing themselves to the virus at every pick-up, drop-off and gas station stop they make along the way. However, there are measures all truckers can take to keep themselves healthy, safe and comfortable while delivering goods across the country.
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you have proper products to protect yourself from the virus, including:
Face Masks
Per CDC’s updated recommendations, they are now suggesting everyone cover their mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when out in public to prevent spreading COVID-19. While many places are out of stock, there a various methods of making a homemade mask with items you already have that will be just as effective.
Disinfectant Wipes
It goes without saying that any disinfectant product is a good first-line defense against the coronavirus, indeed, any viruses. Whether it’s wipes, sprays or liquids, these cleaners are a must-have for the trucker who’s in and out of their cab multiple times a day, touching many different surfaces. The biggest challenge may be simply finding these products available and in-stock, but when shopping be sure to purchase cleaners on the EPA’s list of products that are registered for use against coronavirus.
Disposable Gloves
While not a cleaning product per se, for the average trucker, a box of disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves can be just as valuable if disinfectants are not available. Given the frequency and variety of surfaces which are touched every day, these gloves are certainly must-have items and should be properly changed and/or disposed of following each delivery so germs aren’t transferred back into your cab.
Waterless Hand Cleaners
Whether a driver has a box of disposable gloves or not, there are always those times when your bare skin is going to get soiled and require thorough cleaning. While soap and hot running water are the best for washing hands, yet again, the driver who’s constantly on the road doesn’t always have that as a regular option. Personally, I’m never without a bottle of waterless hand cleaner. It gets all the grime off and cleans up with some paper towels or clean shop rags. While these products may not be disinfectants per se, we understand that cleaning away the dirt plays a role in keeping viruses at bay. Also be sure to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol in your vehicle at all times to further clean and disinfect your hands. And, though it may go without saying, wash your hands with soap and water when you get the first chance, especially before eating or touching your face.
Glass Cleaners
Visibility through the cab’s glass is of utmost importance for safety. Truckers never know what kind of weather they’ll encounter, and the opportunities to take the rig to a car wash may not always be there when you need it, especially now when many non-essential businesses are closed. For my cars, I’ve made it a habit to carry glass cleaner and some microfiber cloths. The great thing about glass cleaner is that it gets the job done on the outside glass, inside glass, and even the truck’s headlights and taillights.
Regularly Clean Your Cab
If not at the end of every day, or at least every other morning before you start work, you should be giving your cab a good wipe down to get rid of any lingering germs. Start with a thorough vacuuming, if possible, and then wipe down all the frequently touched areas, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, center console and door handles, with virus-killing cleaner that is safe for each material.
While protecting yourself and keeping your cab as germ-free as possible is paramount during this time, it’s also a good idea to add some upgrades to your truck to ensure additional safety and comfort during those long shifts.
Seat Covers for Comfort
Seat comfort can be greatly enhanced at a reasonable cost by purchasing a seat cover. Normally, I would recommend a “custom fit” seat cover that will come close to looking like an OE seat fabric. However, in this case, I’d suggest a universal seat cover, as that will be easier to remove and reinstall. I would also recommend one that’s machine washable. These days, cleanliness is on everyone’s mind. A seat cover than can be removed without tools, thrown into a washing machine, and reinstalled when dry is a great choice.
Bluetooth Connectivity for Entertainment
Longer hours on the road require distractions to keep drivers awake and alert. Everyone has a cell phone these days, and I continue to be amazed at the drivers who still hand hold their phones while driving. An add-on device which ties your cell phone to the truck’s audio system via Bluetooth connectivity is an affordable way to be safe and stay entertained, which also allows you to be reachable while driving.
Upgraded Headlight Bulbs for Improved Visibility
Although we’re headed into a stretch of longer days and shorter nights, truckers still find themselves behind the wheel when it’s dark, not to mention dawn and dusk. Any improvement in forward visibility is going to help improve safety and reduce eyestrain. Brighter bulbs also help you be seen by other truckers and passenger cars. Headlight upgrades don’t need to involve replacement of the entire assembly. Most modern trucks have replaceable bulbs. Consider upgrading to an LED kit, or if looking for a more cost-effective solution, go with newer and brighter halogen bulbs.
Interior Organizers for Neatness
You don’t have to be a neatnik to appreciate the peace and calm which comes along with things being in place. This is as true in your cab as it is in your home. An unkempt truck interior will add to anyone’s stress level. The ability to put your hand on something as it’s needed will also contribute to your ability to stay focused on the primary task at hand, which is driving. With an interior organizer, you’ll be able to store all your protective gear in an organized fashion. I like soft-sided interior organizers for the flexibility to fit in different places, as well as the ease with which they can be carried in and out of the cab and stored elsewhere when not in use.
This is a scary time for us all—especially for the brave men and women still working during this pandemic. But as long as we take the proper precautions to protect ourselves and others, it will help put your mind at ease and contribute to flattening the curve.
Richard Reina is the product training director at TRUCKiD.com, a one-stop-shop for aftermarket semi-truck parts and accessories.
Disposable Gloves
While not a cleaning product per se, for the average trucker, a box of disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves can be just as valuable if disinfectants are not available. Given the frequency and variety of surfaces which are touched every day, these gloves are certainly must-have items and should be properly changed and/or disposed of following each delivery so germs aren’t transferred back into your cab.
Waterless Hand Cleaners
Whether a driver has a box of disposable gloves or not, there are always those times when your bare skin is going to get soiled and require thorough cleaning. While soap and hot running water are the best for washing hands, yet again, the driver who’s constantly on the road doesn’t always have that as a regular option. Personally, I’m never without a bottle of waterless hand cleaner. It gets all the grime off and cleans up with some paper towels or clean shop rags. While these products may not be disinfectants per se, we understand that cleaning away the dirt plays a role in keeping viruses at bay. Also be sure to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol in your vehicle at all times to further clean and disinfect your hands. And, though it may go without saying, wash your hands with soap and water when you get the first chance, especially before eating or touching your face.
Glass Cleaners
Visibility through the cab’s glass is of utmost importance for safety. Truckers never know what kind of weather they’ll encounter, and the opportunities to take the rig to a car wash may not always be there when you need it, especially now when many non-essential businesses are closed. For my cars, I’ve made it a habit to carry glass cleaner and some microfiber cloths. The great thing about glass cleaner is that it gets the job done on the outside glass, inside glass, and even the truck’s headlights and taillights.
Regularly Clean Your Cab
If not at the end of every day, or at least every other morning before you start work, you should be giving your cab a good wipe down to get rid of any lingering germs. Start with a thorough vacuuming, if possible, and then wipe down all the frequently touched areas, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, center console and door handles, with virus-killing cleaner that is safe for each material.
While protecting yourself and keeping your cab as germ-free as possible is paramount during this time, it’s also a good idea to add some upgrades to your truck to ensure additional safety and comfort during those long shifts.
Seat Covers for Comfort
Seat comfort can be greatly enhanced at a reasonable cost by purchasing a seat cover. Normally, I would recommend a “custom fit” seat cover that will come close to looking like an OE seat fabric. However, in this case, I’d suggest a universal seat cover, as that will be easier to remove and reinstall. I would also recommend one that’s machine washable. These days, cleanliness is on everyone’s mind. A seat cover than can be removed without tools, thrown into a washing machine, and reinstalled when dry is a great choice.
Bluetooth Connectivity for Entertainment
Longer hours on the road require distractions to keep drivers awake and alert. Everyone has a cell phone these days, and I continue to be amazed at the drivers who still hand hold their phones while driving. An add-on device which ties your cell phone to the truck’s audio system via Bluetooth connectivity is an affordable way to be safe and stay entertained, which also allows you to be reachable while driving.
Upgraded Headlight Bulbs for Improved Visibility
Although we’re headed into a stretch of longer days and shorter nights, truckers still find themselves behind the wheel when it’s dark, not to mention dawn and dusk. Any improvement in forward visibility is going to help improve safety and reduce eyestrain. Brighter bulbs also help you be seen by other truckers and passenger cars. Headlight upgrades don’t need to involve replacement of the entire assembly. Most modern trucks have replaceable bulbs. Consider upgrading to an LED kit, or if looking for a more cost-effective solution, go with newer and brighter halogen bulbs.
Interior Organizers for Neatness
You don’t have to be a neatnik to appreciate the peace and calm which comes along with things being in place. This is as true in your cab as it is in your home. An unkempt truck interior will add to anyone’s stress level. The ability to put your hand on something as it’s needed will also contribute to your ability to stay focused on the primary task at hand, which is driving. With an interior organizer, you’ll be able to store all your protective gear in an organized fashion. I like soft-sided interior organizers for the flexibility to fit in different places, as well as the ease with which they can be carried in and out of the cab and stored elsewhere when not in use.
This is a scary time for us all—especially for the brave men and women still working during this pandemic. But as long as we take the proper precautions to protect ourselves and others, it will help put your mind at ease and contribute to flattening the curve.
Richard Reina is the product training director at TRUCKiD.com, a one-stop-shop for aftermarket semi-truck parts and accessories.
