
Now that the leaves are turning and the cold weather is creeping in, it’s time to start thinking about your next Fall scrap load! To ensure that you keep safety as your number one priority, we have added some helpful tips for when you are hauling scrap in Fall weather. Remember safety first so you, your passengers, and those around you are always safe!
Slippery Driving
- With the leaves falling off the trees, they often gather in piles on the sides of the roads. This can make for a hazardous situation. With morning dew and occasional morning showers, those piles of leaves could get slippery and cause problems if you are braking or accelerating on them. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid these piles of leaves on the road.
Shorter Days & Darker Commuting Hours
- With the Fall season edging closer to the winter season, the daylight hours are becoming shorter and can cause much darker driving conditions. When you would be wearing your sunglasses in the morning during the summer season, you now are forced to turn your headlights on to see. The shorter days can cause some havoc for you and those around you, so be sure to turn your headlights on to see and for others to see you.
D Series PRO Flood Surface Mount LED Lights, 3 Inch LED Lights, Easy to Install, Off Roading Accessories, 50,000 Plus Hour Lifespan (2 Pack, Black Housing, 202113)
Suggested Reading: Trucking Safety Leads to More Money
School’s In Session
- The Fall season usually marks the beginning of the school year around the country, which is important to those driving regularly for their scrap metal. With the school buses running their scheduled routes, there will often be times when you are stuck behind one of those yellow behemoths. Check your surroundings for kids waiting at bus stops, walking home from school, or playing in the street with friends.
Morning Frost or Ice
- As the temperatures begin to drop with the Fall, driving in your community for scrap loads and pickups, be aware of road conditions and remember that there may be frost or ice on your route. Often, the frost can leave a slick layer on the road surfaces early in the morning, so be careful when driving. Also, if there are rain showers during the day, the puddles can often freeze over at night, so be careful about black ice spots.
Auto Emergency Roadside Assistance Car Kit, Winter Traveler Safety Emergency Kit for Car, Truck, RV Vehicles
Suggested Reading: The Effects of Snow & Winter on the Scrap Industry
We know scrappers are constantly getting out early in the morning to get to work, so keep these safety driving tips in mind when searching for appliances, steel, and other materials.
If you plan on doing a larger job in your area, getting out there may be a good idea before the school buses start their schedule to avoid delays. Also, watch that thermometer before heading out to check for freezing and dress properly for your work day.