At Cooper Freight Service, we take safety seriously which includes everything from getting a good night’s rest to conducting a thorough pre-trip inspection before hitting the road. Our OTR Drivers also take steps to protect their skin before driving.

You may not think it, but as an OTR Truck Driver, you may be exposed to harmful sun rays, especially while sitting in a truck cab for many hours every day. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UV (ultraviolet) rays can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes.

When you spend most of your day on the road, sun exposure adds up. While the windshield of a vehicle may lessen the amount of UVB rays that enter the cab, side windows typically don’t. And, in general, glass does not protect against UVA rays. You also risk sun exposure when you are loading your trailer, washing your rig or stopping for a meal or break as an Over the Road Truck Driver.

Unprotected sun exposure can lead to painful sunburns and even skin cancer. Some visible effects of sun damage include freckles, wrinkles, skin leathering, loose or dry skin, spider veins and age spots. Here are some sun protection tips to consider when getting ready for your route:

 

  • Wear sunscreen daily—Broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection from both harmful UVA and UVB rays. Consider a sunscreen in the range of SPF 30 to SPF 50. A water-resistant sunscreen will keep you protected while sweating.
  • Be mindful of peak hours—The sun tends to be the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. While driving can’t always be avoided during that time, take extra precautions during the middle of the day.
  • Adjust your wardrobe—Wear clothes and hats that shield your skin and provide extra coverage to your arms, legs, face and neck. Not all fabrics and colors provide equal protection. Choose dark or bright colors and densely woven cloth, like denim or synthetic fabrics. Pay special attention to the left side of your body.
  • Wear quality sunglasses—Invest in high-quality sunglasses labeled to block both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound sunglasses provide the best protection for your eyes and skin on your face.
  • Screen yourself regularly—Early detection is critical to treatment options. Be mindful of any skin discoloration or changes, and discuss them with your physician.

As the weather warms up and we experience more sunny days, keep these tips in mind. Wearing sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses can help keep you safe on the road and later in life!

 

Join our team! Now Hiring OTR Truck Drivers.

We are accepting applications for OTR, Team, and Local Company Drivers. Click here to learn more about our driver benefits, pay, and company culture.

For more information on our hiring process and qualifications, please call the Recruitment Office at (901) 215-9100 Or email to drive4us@cooperfreight.com

This Safety Matters blog post is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical or legal advice.