As beautiful as winter is, the bitter cold can make life difficult. Even if you spend most of your day in the cab of a truck, you can still feel the effects of the frigid temperatures. Driving while cold isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s also dangerous. Even if the temperatures aren’t severe enough to give you frostbite or hypothermia, your stiff, shivering body will give you slower reaction times and less control on the wheel. Winter routes can be brutal, especially during Indiana RV transport jobs. For your own comfort and safety, be sure to follow these three top tips on staying warm while traveling.
Pack Your Vehicle with Warm Gear
You never want to be stranded in the cold without a few essentials. Before you head out on your route, make sure you have warm gear to keep you safe in case of an emergency. Keep at least one heavy blanket in your cab. Emergency thermal blankets will come in handy if you find yourself stuck somewhere with a dead engine. Extra layers are also key, so pack a spare winter coat, a scarf, gloves, and a warm hat. A portable space heater—especially one that runs on its own power—will also make your cab much cozier.
Water Keeps You Warm
Everyone knows the importance of drinking water when you’re sweating throughout the day, but we tend to forget about staying hydrated in the winter. Make sure you drink plenty of water every day. This will help you stay healthy and energized in the dry air of winter. Additionally, the more hydrated you are, the better your circulation is. This means that your blood has an easier time moving to your fingers and toes and keeping your extremities warm. Try keeping water in an insulated bottle so it doesn’t get too cold to drink.
Don’t Be Afraid To Layer Up
One of the best tips for staying warm while traveling—or doing anything else this winter—is to layer up. Layering your clothes gives you more insulation from the cold and helps you retain body heat. Don’t be afraid to keep your jacket on or tug a hat over your head, even if you’re in your truck for a long drive. It can take a while for your cab to warm up, so pull on those layers and drive comfortably in the meantime. Wearing layers in the driver’s seat also makes it easier when you do stop and get out of the cab. Your comfort and safety are the most important things, so wear what you must to keep warm and toasty on your drive.