Arizona summer trucking requires preparation for heat, sudden storms, and delays far from a cool place to recover. Inspections, coupling, cargo work, and breakdowns can expose a driver to heat even when the cab normally has air conditioning.
Recognize heat illness and act promptly
Headache, dizziness, unusual fatigue, nausea, or heavy sweating during heat exposure call for stopping work, moving to a cooler place, and getting help. Do not keep driving while impaired.
Confusion, slurred speech, seizures, or unconsciousness can signal heat stroke. Call 911 immediately and begin cooling the person while help is coming. Heat stroke can occur with heavy sweating or hot, dry skin.
OSHA's first-aid guidance calls for moving the person to shade or air conditioning, removing excess outer clothing, and cooling immediately with cold water or ice, including cold wet towels. Stay with the person. Do not delay emergency care while trying to decide which heat illness they have; when in doubt, call 911 and cool them.
Plan water, rest, and cooling
Keep drinking water accessible and take cooling breaks during work in the heat. Follow your employer's heat plan and discuss individual fluid needs or medical restrictions with a health professional. A fixed daily water quota does not account for differences in work, exposure, or health.
NIOSH recommends appropriate hydration, rest, and gradual acclimatization to hot work. People new to working in heat need particular attention and more recovery time. Carrying extra water for a breakdown is separate from deciding how much to drink.
Inspect the truck for very hot weather
Follow the Arizona CDL manual's hot-weather guidance, Section 2.14, alongside the vehicle manufacturer's and carrier's procedures:
- Inspect tires during safe stops every two hours or 100 miles in very hot weather. Do not bleed air merely because operating temperature has raised tire pressure.
- Check coolant, oil, belts, and hoses; monitor temperature warnings.
- Never open a hot pressurized cooling system. Stop safely for overheating and follow the manufacturer's procedure.
Report defects and obtain appropriate maintenance. Avoid improvised repairs or equipment changes based on a generic summer checklist.
Prepare for closures and breakdowns
Pack extra water, snacks, sun protection, needed medication, and a charged phone with a charger. Identify fuel stops and safe places to park, with alternatives for delays. An air-conditioned cab does not guarantee cooling if the truck breaks down.
If a breakdown or heat illness creates an immediate emergency, call 911. Otherwise arrange roadside help and tell the carrier where you are. Monitor your condition and seek help early if you cannot remain safely cool.
Dust storms: pull aside, stay alive
Do not enter a dust storm. Exit safely before it reaches you if possible. If no exit is available, follow ADOT's current guidance:
- Check traffic around you and begin slowing.
- Safely pull completely beyond the paved roadway, clear of travel lanes and the shoulder.
- Once safely off, set the parking brake, turn off all lights including flashers, and take your foot off the brake.
- Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt fastened and wait for the dust to pass.
These lights-off instructions apply after clearing the roadway in a dust storm; illuminated lights can lead another driver into the stopped vehicle.
Monsoon rain and high winds
Check forecasts and AZ511 before departure and during safe stops. Leave extra braking room in rain. Never cross a flooded wash or drive around a road-closed sign. If wind or visibility prevents safe vehicle control, stop at an appropriate safe location before conditions worsen.
Before leaving, check the truck, forecast, drinking-water supply, emergency kit, and available stopping options. Use your carrier's procedures for cargo temperatures and securement checks rather than assuming every load needs the same summer treatment.
